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THE 



CENTENNIAL 



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SnSQPEHAHHA COUNTY 



Written and Compiled 

BY 

JAMES T. DUBOIS AND WM. J. PIKE. 






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CENTER 






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WRITTEN AMi COMPILED BY 

Jambs T. Du Bois and Wm. J. Pike 



WASHINGTON, D. C: 

< I i : a y & Clarkson, Printers, 
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INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. 

The compiling of this little volume has been a pleasant yet difficult 
task. Had the authors known, before the programme was executed, 
that the work of writing it would devolve upon them „ careful and 
correct notes would have been taken of every detail associated with 
the celebration. But it was not decided to book the proceedings of 
the Centennial until immediately after the great event had transpired, 
so that it became necessary to rely largely upon what records had 
been preserved by the press, the secretary of the Executive Committee . 
the members of various committees, and the tablets of memory. 

We have faithfully endeavored to compile everything of importance 
connected with the Centennial from its inception to its brilliant and 
triumphant close ; and in this work we have received kindly assistance 
from the different newspapers of the country, various committeemen, 
and especially from Mrs. G. W. Capwell, the efficient secretary of 
the Relic Committee, who has enabled us to publish a fairly correct 
list of the vast array of antique treasures which were on exhibition 
at the rink. To these persons and to all others who have in any way 
aided us we extend our sincere thanks, hoping that the contents of 
this booklet may interest them and all of its readers and prove itself 
entertaining and of value to those of posterity who may celebrate the 
the bi-centennial of our county in 1987. 

The reader, by perusing the reports of the different meetings and 
the work of the various committees contained in this publication, will 
see what an army of patriotic citizens toiled for the jubilee unto a 
triumphant issue. Their names will not be lost to posterity, and 
their bright examples will be emulated by their descendants when 
another hundred years have rolled away and the spot of the *Relic 
Hall, the Banquet Tent, the Centennial Elm, the Old Well, and the 
Log Cabin will have become doubly sacred to our children's children 
and to their children. 

It would be impossible to mention all of those in detail who ren- 
dered effective service in the good cause, but there is one man whom 
we must single out and salute with words of commendation. 



When the chairmanship of the Centennial Executive Committee 
was offered to Capt. H. F. Beardsley he comprehended at once the 
magnitude of the work connected with it and modestly shrank from 
the responsibility, but, at the urgent request of his fellow-citizens, he 
reluctantly accepted the place. 

To plan and carry out a celebration worthy of the event ; to or- 
ganize and complete a scheme by which the relics of the county were 
to be secured, classified, and placed on exhibition: to originate, 
arrange, and carry to a brilliant finale the grandest parade that ever 
marched within the bounds of the county- to gather together nearly 
three hundred of our oldest inhabitants and banquet them ; to attend 
to the minute details of the greatest demonstration the northern tier 
has ever seen, and to raise, by subscription, the necessary funds to exe- 
cute the splendid programme required a generous zeal and untiring en- 
ergy possessed by a very few men, and, fortunately for the count)-, 
Captain Beardsley can be listed with that limited band. 

In the execution of his plans he was strangely fortunate. There 
were selected as his assistants an executive and managing committee 
of gentlemen, the latter under the lead of the Hon. George A. Post ; 
a ladies' auxiliary committee, presided over by Mrs. Henry Warner; 
a relic committee, in charge of Mrs. S. B. Chase, and a staff of 
assistant marshals, who were quick to perceive and prompt to execute 
his plans. It very seldom happens that a leader is supported so 
loyally through every step of an undertaking by a body of men and 
women combining so many qualities especially adapted to the service 
in which they were engaged. No antagonisms were produced by 
conflicting opinions : no hostilities engendered by unfortunate jeal- 
ousies; no claims were raised or bitter assaults made, and no damp- 
ening spirit of indifference was displayed in any quarter. The com- 
mittee, coming from all parts of the county, were shown the duty 
goal, and every man and woman went toward it with zeal and deter- 
mination. 

The admirable work of the newspapers of the county our citi- 
zens must ever hold in cordial remembrance. They gave to the 
patriotic enterprise their helpful and potent influence, and to their 
constant assistance much of the brilliant success of the Centennial is 
unquestionably due. 



And now that the battle is over, and the fifty-three thousand peo- 
sons who watched its course know who were in the thickest of the 
fight, and know how well they struggled for the great Centennial vic- 
tory, they must harbor for the valiant workers, one and all, a senti- 
ment of profound gratitude. 

The Authors. 



P^Ef/\CE 



The tenth, eleventh, and twelfth days of October, in the year of 
■our Lord 1887, were fraught with undying memories for the citizens 
of Susquehanna County. They were the red-letter days of our ex- 
istence as a community ; but the true glory of them belongs to our 
forefathers, and their title to it all time cannot efface. 

The splendid mountains, the silent flowing river, the site of the 
first log hut, the broad reach of valley, the dust of our fathers were 
still here to animate us; but the sturdy pioneers were gone and 
scarcely a vestige remained of their early habitations. Yet the voices 
of our hallowed dead spoke to us in no uncertain measures, and the 
lofty influence of their noble lives, we felt, lived with us still, and 
would live on and on forever. The fruits of their early labors, the re- 
sults of civil and religious liberty, to enjoy which they braved disease, 
famine, and the solitude of wilderness, now spread a mantle of light 
over their sacred resting-places and embalm their memory with a 
savor more grateful to their descendants than though they were en- 
shrined in the death temples of the royal dead. 

During that trio of memorable days we stood upon a point of time 
with our faces turned toward the past, and, grasping the meaning 
of the hundred years of our existence as a community, we found 
ourselves cheerfully weaving new garlands to the never-fading chap- 
lets of those who faced everything most terrible to civilized man in 
order to lay the broad and deep foundations of free communities ; 
but in the wondrous changes of the century that is gone we see, after 
all, only the budding of a few seminal principles — in truth not even 
the beginning of the end. 

Standing upon this point of time we find ourselves and our period 
simple links in the chain of transmission which shall extend the 
blessings of increased civilization to countless multitudes of our 
future countrymen. Peering into coming time, far as human eye 
•can reach, not one among us can foretell or even foreshadow the 
mighty result. What science can calculate it ' What poetry describe ! 

And yet the future destiny of the whole country depends in some 



measure upon every man. woman, and child now living beneath the 
shadow of our flag. Every rain-drop swells the brooklet; every 
brooklet rushes to the river; every river flows onward to the sea. The 
broad ocean of our country's glory can only be maintained by each 
successive generation leaving behind them enduring monuments of 
their lofty purposes to lift up and help mankind. 

May it be the happy lot of those who strove so successfully to give 
the three October days of 1887 a lasting place in the temple of our 
local history, ever to cherish the holy fire and substance of the prin- 
ciples of our ancestors, ever to be filled with a love of country that 
knows no sectional demarkation, ever to be actuated by a feeling of 
liberality and charity as wide and as deep as the ocean, and always 
moved by the spirit of that bond of connection which makes us all 
as one ! 



1787— Susquehanna County— 1887. 



A visitor writing from Mount Vernon in the autumn of 1787 said: 
" Washington is in perfect health and is watching with profound in- 
terest the proceedings of the Constitutional Convention now in session 
at Philadelphia." 

Comparison of historical events are often interesting. About the 
time this visitor to Mount Vernon was penning these words con- 
cerning the hero of the Revolution three stalwart men, Ozias, 
Benajah, and Horatio Strong came to the Great Bend of the 
Susquehanna River, directly from Athens, Greene County, New 
York. They were well fitted for the burdens of pioneer life. Ozias 
was fifty-three years old and of powerful physique. His wife, who 
accompanied him, was the daughter of Pelatiah West, the first settler 
of Lee, Massachusetts. They had twelve children, one of whom, 
Pelatiah, Jr., was drowned in the Susquehanna River. Ozias died 
at Homer, N. Y., November 21, 1807. Horatio, or Orasha, was 
the son of Ozias, born just nine months and seven days after the 
marriage of Ozias to Susan West, and was twenty-nine years old 
when he came to the Great Bend of the Susquehanna, where he was 
hunter, farmer, and inn-keeper for ten years, after which time he 
followed the course of empire west to Ohio, dying near Salem in that 
State in the year 183 1. 

Captain Benajah Strong, a cousin of Ozias, when he came to the 
valley of the Susquehanna was forty-seven years old ; he was six feet, 
two inches in height, had been a captain in the Revolution, and 
although entitled to, he refused, a pension; saw Danbury, Conn., 
burned ; and was married to Jane Cochrane, of Woodbury, Conn., 
who accompanied him first to Greene County, New York, and then 
to the valley of the Susquehanna. After three years' residence at the 
Great Bend of the river he went to Ithaca, and from there to Lan- 
sing, where he bought 2,000 acres of land at $1 an acre, which could 
not now be purchased for $100 per acre. His wife died in 1816, 
and two years thereafter he married the widow Powers, of Stillwater,, 



N. Y., who was the mother of the first wife of President Fillmore. 
Benajah died in 1836 at the ripe age of six and ninety. His 
second wife died in 1850, eighty years old. His son, Benajah, Jr., 
died at Lansing in 185 1. 

The history of the Strong family states that these members of it 
and their families came to the Great Bend of the Susquehanna "not 
many miles east of Binghamton " in 1787, but there is no positive 
proof of their having purchased land at that time. Both Benajah 
and Ozias bought tracts in the summer of 1 790. Benajah secured 
601 acres on the south side of the river, which were a part of tracts 
of land originally warranted to Paul and Roger Harper in 1785, 
which is shown in the following copy of the original survey plat, and 
was donated to this work by Surveyor Hiram S. Hanna, of Hallstead. 




The following concerning the above plot of survey was taken from 
the records at Harrisburg : 

A draft of a tract of land situated on the southerly side of the 
northeast branch of the Susquehanna, opposite to an old Tuscarora 
town, including the mouth of Salt Lick Creek, in Stoke Township, 
Northumberland County, surveyed on the 25th day of April, 1785, 
for Paul Harper, by virtue of his warrant, dated the 4th day of April, 
1785, containing three hundred and ninety-nine acres, and allow- 
ance of six per cent, for roads, &c. 

By WM. GRAY, D. S. 

To John Lukens, Esq., 

Surveyor- General. 

Two days before Benajah received a title to his land Ozias pur- 
chased 453 acres on the north side of the river, which was a part of 
the land originally warranted to Joseph Rambo. Ozias must have 
also owned a part of the Paul Harper tract on the south side of 
the river, because old documents exist showing that he owned lands 
adjoining the Elisha Lenard property, which included the mouth of 
Wiley Creek. 

All the land above mentioned was deeded by the warrantees to 
Tench Francis, who transferred it to the Strongs in the summer of 
1 790. The next spring Mina Du Bois arrived from Philadelphia as 
the agent of his brother Abraham, and he bought of Benajah Strong 
the 60 1 -acre tract on the south side of the river. A large portion 
of this tract has ever since remained in the family, and is now the 
property of James T. Du Bois, and on that part adjoining the village 
of Hallstead is where the Centennial ceremonies took place. (See 
map of survey.) 

What were the Strongs doing between 1787 and 1790 ? The gen- 
ealogy of the family proves that the pioneer triune located at the 
Big Bend of the Susquehanna in 1787. They probably came from 
Athens, Greene County, New York, for up to that time Benajah 
owned a ferry-boat plying between Athens and Hudson. They may 
have crossed Greene County, and, reaching the eastern branch of 
the Delaware River, passed down it some distance, and then, cross- 
ing over to the Susquehanna, followed that stream down to the high 
bluff on the south side of the river where Hallstead is now situated, 
and where they erected the first log cabin ever built within the bor- 
ders of our county. For the first three years they were probably 






squatters, spending their time in hunting, trapping, and prospecting. 
Or, if they did purchase land, the record of the transaction must 
have been destroyed when the records of Luzerne were burned. 

Theirs must have been at first a rude existence. A log house on the 
picturesque bluff, a single room, which was parlor, kitchen, bed- 
room and all to the Strongs ; scant furniture, oiled paper for 
window-glass, a pail of water for a mirror, pine knots for candles ; 
the trencher and the wooden bowl for china, pewter for silverware, 
perhaps milk and warm water for tea, burnt crust for coffee, black 
bread for cake. Such was probably their forest fireside and such its 
interior arrangement, but all around them nature spoke in tones of 
captivating eloquence, for nowhere, in all the broad domain, was 
her hand more generous or her smile more winsome than over the 
region which greeted the eye from the place whereon they had 
founded their heme. It was a wilderness, to be sure, but it was one 
of nature's most favored wilds. The great ampitheater into which 
they had roamed was peerless throughout all the country over which 
they had wandered. It was, in fact, the most picturesque spot from 
( )tsego to the sea. Rings around stood a chain of silent sentinels 
mantled with toweringpine and hemlock, whose Hogarth-line of beautv 
against a golden autumn sky must have awakened, in their sunset 
splendors, the admiration of the sturdy pioneers; and the broad 
reach of river, moving noiselessly beneath the shade of the primeval 
forest, completed a picture unsurpassed amidst the myriad natural 
beauties of our wonderland. 

No ax of woodman had touched a forest tree except their own. 
The river was large with fish. The valleys abounded in game, and 
the recesses of the mountains echoed the footfall of the swift deer 
and the mournful cry of the panther. The spot now known as ' ' The 
Rocks" was a den of bears, and across the river from their isolated 
home were the famous "Three Apple Trees," where the red men 
were wont to talk for peace or war before Sullivan swept them from 
the valley. Toward every point of the compass stretched out mighty 
reai lies of woodland, whose dim aisles remained as yet undisturbed 
by the presence of the pale face. A large portion of the 792 square 
miles which now make up the area of the county, and on which 
nearly 50,000 white men dwell, was then known as Stoke Township, 
,\nd the only habitation existing within its borders was the old Tus- 



carora Indian village, just opposite the spot where Salt Lick Creek is 
lost in the bosom of the Susquehanna. But these tepees were deserted 
and the Strongs were alone. 

From their primitive hut on the bluff to the historic stone set by 
Dave Rittenhouse on the Upper Delaware before the Revolution, all 
was solitude. Running along the line now marking the northern 
confines of the county to Apalacon Creek, not a single impress of 
white civilization could be seen. Passing thence south to where the 
old Indian trail crosses the border, no settlement could be found. 
Thence going westward to the place where Forest City now stands, 
all was a tenantless wilderness; while the region to the northward, 
even beyond the Starrucca, had but just caught the sounds of ap- 
proaching pioneers in the persons of the Comstocks and 1 Sucks ; and 
William Conrad, the Hessian veteran, was then still pushing his way 
toward the wild valley of the Hopbottom, where he was to have the 
honor of becoming the progenitor of the first white child born within 
the present limits of the county. Within this vast area not an acre 
had been cleared, and, so far as authentic history has recorded, not 
a blow had been struck for civilization when the Strongs first looked 
upon the beautiful valley of the Susquehanna at the big bend of the 
river and called it their home. 

Could the clear vision of these brave couriers of civilization have 
penetrated the vista of the future until it rested upon the dying days 
of a century a picture would have been unfolded to their view the 
wondrous truth of which their expanding hearts could not have com- 
prehended. Clio herself would have fallen dumb at a revelation 
which so far transcended her loftiest conceptions, and the eyes of 
Cheery Hope would have been dazed by its marvelous reveahnent. 

Instead of a wild waste they would have discovered a great, intelli- 
gent, and progressive community. They would have found twenty- 
seven prosperous and well-populated townships, furnished with ex- 
cellent school facilities. They would have found manufacturing 
industries representing two and one-half millions of dollars of capital 
and paying nearly half a million annually to those employed. They 
would have found an assessed valuation of real and personal property 
amounting to over live millions of dollars and farm investments run- 
ning into the enormous sum of eighteen millions. They would have 
seen two great railroads intersecting the count} and rolling over their 



'4 

belted ways the products of every nation. They would have found 
almost every mind awakened with a consciousness of its powers and 
putting them steadily forth in acquisition of the high purposes for 
which they were bestowed. They would have found a county of 
nearly a half hundred thousand souls alert and passing rapidly into 
harmony with the intellectual enterprise and social progress of the 
age, with no worm-eaten institutions to palsy their energies, no 
privileged classes to eat the bread they earned, no blind attachment 
to old forms, and no prejudices covered with the dust of ages But 
instead they would have found a heritage of rational liberty ; a gov- 
ernment based upon popular interests and sustained by popular will ; 
a wilderness vanished and an Eden created, whose inhabitants, by 
the aid of enlightened commerce, taste the luxuries of every clime. 
In truth, a spot where the sun of no single day leaves the hilltops and 
valleys in the same condition as when it rose; every hour fraught 
with advancement; every day a wonderful development. And, in 
all of this startling revelation, they could have traced the unmistak- 
able footsteps of the God of nations and the supreme master of the 
destinies of men. 

The Centennial Germ. 

In the spring of 18S7 Ramanthus M. Stocker, editor of the " ( en 
tennial History of Susquehanna County," claimed that, from all the 
documentary evidence which he could secure, Ozias and Benajah 
Strong built on the big bend of the river in 1787 the first white home 
ever erected within the borders of this county, and suggested that, 
as the Centennial year of that event had arrived, it ought to be duly 
celebrated. Ex-Congressman George A. Post became deeply inter 
ested in this suggestion, and to him the honor is due of having first 
appealed to the people of the county to celebrate the event. In an 
able and interesting editorial published byhim in the Montrose Dem- 
cr at the rst day of Jul}-, 1887, he expressed his views in part as 
follows : 

It was one hundred years ago this coming fall that the first white 
man settled permanently within the territory of what now comprises 
Susquehanna County, and it would seem entirely proper, and, indeed, 
desirable, that our county's Centennial should be appropriately cele- 
brated. It is our opinion that such a celebration would be heartily 
enjoyed by our people, and could be made an occasion of rare inter- 



'5 

est and productive of good results. One hundred years ago the ter- 
ritory embraced in the county of Susquehanna was a part of old Lu- 
zerne County, without an inhabitant, save Ozias Strong, who settled 
at Great Bend, now Hallstead, in the fall of 1787, and became the 
first resident purchaser of land under Pennsylvania title within the 
county. That same year, 1787, settlements were made in Harmony, 
Oakland, and Brooklyn. In Harmony by Moses Comstock, a native of 
Rhode Island, who located on the flat between the Starrucca and Can- 
awacta Creeks near where they enter the Susquehanna. Here he and 
his sons, Asa and Abner, made improvements for a number of years, 
but were finally ousted by Colonel Timothy Pickering, the represent- 
ative of the Pennsylvania claimants. The case of Comstock is not 
an isolated instance. Many of the hardy pioneers after paying for 
their lands to Connecticut claimants and making improvements were 
compelled to pay for their homes again or be dispossessed under the 
operation of the Pennsylvania intrusion laws. 

The first settlement of Brooklyn was made by Philadelphians, un- 
der inducements of John Nicholson, a large landholder in that sec- 
tion ; but these people were not fitted for pioneer life, and, becoming 
discouraged, began to sell their improvements in 1 798 to Connecticut 
settlers. William Conrad, a Hessian, who had been brought over 
here by the British to fight the Americans, against his will, like many 
of his brethren, never returned home, but became a settler in Penn- 
sylvania. He settled in Brooklyn in 1787, and his daughter Kate, 
born that year, was doubtless the first white child born in the county ; 
and Enoch Bishop Merriam, who was born at Great Bend that same 
year, was the first white child born on the Susquehanna River 
within this county. Adam Miller, a Protestant Irishman, was also 
in Brooklyn in 1 787. Thus the three nationalities, English, Irish, and 
German, were here contemporaneously. Prior to 1787 what is now 
Susquehanna County was a waste, a howling wilderness, covered with 
a defense forest of maple, beech, birch, chestnut, and ash, inter- 
spersed with hemlock, while the valleys and ravines were covered 
with a thick growth of hemlock and pine, with an undergrowth of 
laurel. The only occupants of these solitudes were wild animals 
and savage, roaming bands of Indians. 

As the first settlement was made in Hallstead, that of course would 
be the proper place to hold the Centennial celebration; and if the 
citizens of that vicinity will move in the matter and manifest a desire 
to aid the movement we have no doubt that the citizens of all sec- 
tions of the county would join in furthering the enterpise. We make 
the suggestion, and if it shall be received with favor we will do all 
in our power to help along the celebration. The question is, Shall 
we celebrate? 

This appeal was responded to promptly by all of the newspapers of 
the county, extracts from which are given herewith: 



i6 

New Milford Advei tiser : 

The proposition to celebrate the one hundredth anniversary of the 
settlement of Susquehanna County seems to have been favorably re- 
reived by the people. The project to be successfully carried out de- 
mands the hearty co-operation of our best people. A few enterprising, 
.u tive men in each town in the county, with the assistance of every 
individual citizen, can make it an assured success. The news- 
papers of the county should take an active interest in the scheme 
and every citizen talk and boom the project. Let the good peo- 
ple of Hallstead make a move in the matter. 

Independent Republican : 

A meeting of the citizens of Great Bend and Hallstead has been 
tailed to take action for the proper celebration of the Centennial of 
(he first settlement of Susquehanna County. Let the good work of 
preparation go on. A hearty acquiescence and a generous support 
can be counted on from every part of the county. Everybody will 
want to have a hand in celebrating Susquehanna County's Centen- 
nial. It is proper, it is right ; our citizens would be derelict in duty 
should they let the occasion pass without a demonstration commem- 
orating the event — no small affair, but one equaling in magnitude the 
prosperity, growth, wealth, and intelligence of her people during 
the period named. 

Susquehanna Transcript : 

We trust the people of the county will take some immediate action 
looking to a Centennial celebration of the settlement of this section. 

In this country all anniversaries are celebrated much too seldom, 
and, so far as old Susquehanna County is concerned, there are brains 
and enterprise sufficient to have a grand memorable anniversary. If 
our people take hold of the enterprise at all it is safe to say that the 
affair will be creditable. These are stirring times, and our people 
are not behind in anything. 

It does not matter much where the celebration is held, although 
Hallstead would seem to be the proper place. What is wanted is 
immediate, decided action. What dots Hallstead say? A move 
from her would be in order. 

Sentinel: 

\ Centennial celebration of the settlement of Susquehanna County 
is taking form very rapidly, and, judged by the present indications, 
a magnificent affair is on the tapis. As the first settlement in the 
county was made within the present limits of the borough of Hall- 
stead, Hallstead will be the place for holding the Centennial. A 
committee from that borough visited Montrose on Tuesday, and after 
conferring with our citizens it was resolved to call a county conven- 
tion to meet in Montrose on Monday. July 25th, to inaugurate the 
movement. 



■Great Bend Plain tealer: 

Hallstead greets Susquehanna Count} - with maternal greeting, and 
this day announces with supreme pleasure that as she furnished the 
cradle for her birth she feels it her glorious duty to extend her the 
hospitality necessary to a proper celebration of the one hundredth 
anniversary of that happy event. To the citizens of Susquehanna 
County. Hallstead assisted by her sister borough, Great Bend, and 
the township, stretches forth a hand of welcome saying, " Come and 
let us join together in celebrating a birth which has had such splendid 
results." A county second to none in the State for intelligence; a 
county, the standard of whose public schools is recognized as among 
the best in the great Commonwealth ; a county where crime is rare 
and justice a familiar face ; a county where political corruption is 
scarcely known, and where good citizenship prevails; a county 
whose public opinion has always been of a lofty and pure character; 
a county whose voice has always been for God, temperance, and the 
right — this is the result of the glad birth of the county whose cradle 
was at Hallstead and whose Centennial should be commensurate with 
the noble record she has made. If the enterprise, energy, and pa- 
triotism of the county will now step forward and make the Centennial 
what it ought to be there will be one day in our history too large 
for a single page. It will be an event long to be remembered, and 
one which will be so crowned with interest as to burst with lessons 
from which we all may learn much that will make us wiser concern- 
ing the local history of our splendid county. It is a celebration which 
concerns us all. Hallstead, assisted by the township and Great Bend 
Borough, welcomes the citizens of the county. They should prepare 
to come for a memorial jubilee. 

Developmeni of the Centennial Germ. 

A few days after the Montrose Democrat published its first Centen- 
nial leader A. H. McCollum, Henry C. Tyler and W. D. Lusk, of 
Montrose, arrived at the Mitchell House in Hallstead, and in conver- 
sation with N. T. Mitchell and Burgess C. M. Simmons urged upon 
them the necessity of the citizens of Hallstead taking immediate steps 
concerning the Centennial celebration. Burgess Simmons at once 
called a meeting of the citizens to take place at his office, on Main 
street, on the evening of the 9th of July. 

The First Centennial Meeting. 

The citizens of Great Bend borough and Great Bend Township were 

cordially invited to attend this meeting, to which they responded by 

sending several representatives. James T. Du Bois, of Great Bend 

Township, was elected president, and John H. Dusenbury. of Great 

2 



[8 

Bend borough, secretary. The following local committee ware se- 
lected to take preliminarj steps and especially to draft a circular in- 
viting the citizens of the county to hold a convention at Montrose t< 
decide whether the Centennial should be celebrated or not: VV. I >. 
iaisk. CM. Simmons, James T. Du Bois, of Hallstead; Senator Orrin 
A. Lines. Vincent Reckhow, and T. D. Estabrooks, of Great Bend 
borough ; S. S. Wright. Samuel Loomis, ('. 1!. Dixon, of Great Bend 
Township. Adjourned to meet the 19th of July at the same place. 
A Wrinkle Smoothed ( )ut. 
In the mean time a slight dispute arose. Great Bend borough 
« laimed that the first cabin was erected by Ozias Strong on thenortl 
side of the river near the present site of the Erie Railroad station, 
while the Hallsteadians were positive that the first cabin was built 01 
the south river bank opposite the present residence of C. J. Langley. 
The discussion became animated. Two citizens of Great bend, in 
search of information, visited theoldest resident of the neighborhood. 
John Buck, son of the Red Rock pioneer, who lives between Great 
Bend and Susquehanna. Scarcely had they arrived at the Buck fain 
when up drove two citizens of Hallstead, also in search of informa 
tion. The venerable old man. who. high in the nineties, is quite 
infirm, said he was under the impression that the first house was built 
•■ on the other side of the river" I the north side), but was not posi 
tive. The Hallstead representatives returned to their homes and re- 
ported that '-Mr. Buck is a very feeble old man, and is under the 
impression that he is living on the other (north j side of the river, and 
therefore the -other' side which he referred to was in reality the Hall 
stead side, " while the Great Bend delegates insisted that " the old 
man knew what he was talking about. " Finally it was agreed to leave 
the settlement of the disputed point to the Montrose convention, and 
the local cauldron cooled off. 

The Hallsteadi vns Meet Ac \i\. 
\i the adjourned meeting held in Justice Simmon's office, the 19th 
day of fuly, James T. Du Bois was elei ted president and \V. J. Pik< 
secretary. The following delegates were chosen to attend the Mon- 
trose convention : N. T. Mitchell. W. J. Pike, Hallstead; Senator 
< ). A. Lines, T. 1 >. Estabrooks, Great Bend borough; S. S. Wright, 
lames T. Du bois, Great bend Township. before the meeting ad- 
journed the following circular was drafted, and being printed the next 
morning, was mailed to every postmaster in the county: 



( 'l \ I 1 \\l \l ( '| | EBR VTION 
Of Susquekanna ( 'ounty. 



_JF°A convention to make arrangements for celebrating the One 
Hundredth Anniversary has been called to meet at 

Montrose on Monday, the 25TH of July, 1887, 

At 2 o'clock, p. m. It is respectfully requested that each town- 
ship and borough send one or more delegates to this Convention. 

By Order of Executive Committee. 

Please post this. 

VVM. J. PIKE, Sec'y. 



Convention \t Montrose. 

On the afternoon of the 25th day of July a goodly number of the 
citizens of the county, in response to the Centennial Call of the Hall- 
stead Local Committee, assembled in the court-room at Montrose for 
the purpose of devising plans for the jubilee. The Hon. George A. 
Post, of Montrose, was elected chairman, and \V. J. Pike, of Hail- 
stead, secretary. After stating the object of the meeting, Chairman 
Post requested that all who were interested in commemorating the 
Centennial of the county should respond to their names at the call of 
the different towns. The following gentlemen responded : 

Brooklyn— J. O. Bullard, C. J. Lathrop. Clifford— J. D. Charle, 
J. R. Hankins. Gibson— J. J. Manning. Great Bend Borough— T. 
D. Estabrooks, O. A. Lines. Great Bend Township— S. S. Wright, 
James T. Du Bois. Hallstead— W. J Pike, N. T Mitchell. Hop- 
bottom— W. P. Crandall, E. Carpenter, F. A. Osborn, Squire Car- 
penter. Jessup— J. G. Snow. Jackson— O. H. Perry, L. D. Ben- 
son. Liberty— L. E. Stanford, S. E. Warner. Franklin— W. C. 
Smith, F. A. Smith. Choconut— M. J. Golden, M. Mclerny. New 
Milford— A. B. Smith, T. W. Boyle. Forest Lake— Abner Griffis. 
Rush— I. M. Gray, W. N. Barnes. Thomson Borough— J. D. Miller. 
Montrose— J. P. Taylor, G. A. Post, S. J. Northrop. 

At the close of this call the Hon. M. J. Larabee moved that the 
county celebrate its one hundredth anniversary. An interesting dis- 
cussion ensued, in which the following gentlemen took part : Hon. J. 
B. McCollum, J. W. Chapman, Hon. M. J. Larabee, A. B. Smith. 
I. M. Gray, W. P. Crandall, O. H. Perry, A. O. W r arren. J. G. Snow. 



Abner Griffis, S. S. Wright, T. D. Estabrooks, J. 1). Miller, and 
others. The motion being put to vote, it was unanimously decided 
to celebrate. A motion was then made that the celebration take place 
at Hallstead. T. I). Estabrooks. of Great Bend Borough, offered an 
amendment that the Exe< utive Committee to be appointed be em- 
powered to select the place and date of the celebration. The chair then 
appointed the following persons to name fifteen citizens of the count v 
to ait as an executive committee ; M. J. Earabee, Oliver H. Perry, 
James T. I)u Bois : and these gentlemen selected Capt. H. F. Beards- 
lex, of Montrose, chairman: (' M. Simmons, of Hallstead; T. I). 
Estabrooks, of Great Bend Borough : James T. Du Bois, Great Bend 
Township ; C. M. Shelp, New Milford ; L. D. Benson, Jackson ; 
W. P. Crandall, Hopbottom ; J. E. Carmalt, Choconut : W. H. 
Sherwood, Rush; I P baker, Dimock; C. J. Eathrop, Brooklyn ; 
Horace Sweet, Harford : Dr. E. Gardner. Clifford ; J. I) Miller, 
Thomson ; M. J. Earabee. Susquehanna. On motion of James T. 
Du Bois a ladies' auxiliary committee was appointed to act in con- 
junction with the Executive Committee. The following members were 
chosen and empowered to add to their numbers : Mrs Henry Warner, 
Montrose, chairman; Miss E. C. Blackman, Montrose; Mrs. S. P. 
Chase, Hallstead: Mrs. John Hayden and Mrs. E. A. Smith, New 
Milford: Mrs. J. H. Cook and Mrs. M J. Larabee, Susquehanna; 
Mrs. James T. Dubois and Mrs. Theodore Hays, of Great Bend 
Township; Mrs. D. ( '. Bronson and Miss Emily (iriggs. of Great 
Bend Borough. 

After deciding that the Executive Committee should meet at Hall- 
stead the 30th of July the convention adjourned. 

Executive Meeting at Hallsteao. 
The meeting of the 30th of July was not well attended, only nine 
members of the committee being present, as follows ; CM. Shelp, J. 
D Miller, Dr. E. Gardner, James T. Du Bois, Horace Sweet, C. 
M. Simmons, M. J. Earabee, \V. P. Crandall, T. D. Estabrooks. 

A final decision was to be made at this meeting as to where and 
when the celebration was to take place. The committee were first 
escorted to the ground of the Keystone Agricultural Society, situ- 
ated on the north side of the river, and all of the advantages of that 
place were fully explained to them. They then visited Du BoisGrove, 
on the south side of the river, and subsequently the rink. At 3 30 



p. m. the meeting was held at the Mitchell House, and in the absent e 
of Chairman Beardsley, T. D. Estabrooks, of Great BendBoro, was 
called to the chair, and W. J. Pike acted as secretary. 

W. T. Estabrooks, the president of the Keystone Agricultural So- 
ciety, attended the meeting and suggested that, provided the Cen- 
tennial celebration were held on the fair grounds and the regular ad- 
mission fee ( harged, the society would meet a large part of the Cen- 
tennial expenses. Dr. Gardner, Horace Sweet, W. 1'. Crandall, and 
others vigorously objected to this proposition, and James T. Du Bois, 
having moved that the celebration take place in Hallstead on the rath 
and 15th of September, the motion was unanimously carried. The 
Executive Committee was then increased to forty-two members, and 
each member was empowered to select two persons in his district to 
raise subscriptions for the Centennial fund. The following is a com- 
plete list of the Executive Committee as it was finally constituted: 
Apolacon — Wm. Creigh ; Ararat — J. C. Bushnell; Auburn — D. C. 
Titman; Kridgewater — M.J. Harrington; Choconut — James E. Car- 
malt; Brooklyn — C. J. Lathrop; Clifford, 1st district — Dr. E. Gard- 
ner ; Clifford, 2d district — J. F. Hankins; Dimock — I. P. Baker; 
Dundaff — Thomas Hallstead, Wm. H. Olmstead; Forest Pake — W. 
A.Southwell; Franklin — F. A.Smith: Friendsville — Richard Fo- 
ran ; Gibson — George E. Resseguie; Great Bend Township — Jas. T. 
Du Bois; Great Bend Boro — T. D. Estabrooks; Hallstead — CAP 
Simmons; Harford — -Watson Teffers; Harmony, 1st district — S. H. 
Barnes, Charles Schlager; Harmony, 2d district — J. S. Brandt; Her- 
rick Centre — Sanford Burns; Hopbottom — W. P. Crandall; Jack- 
son— L. D. Benson; Jessup — P. D. Roe; Pathrop — Henry Decker: 
Fenox— Oliver Poomis; Liberty — P. E. Stanford; Pittle Meadows — ■ 

E. B. Beardslee; Middletown — Patrick White; Montrose — Capt. H. 

F. Beardsley; New Milford — C. M. Shelp ; New Milford Town- 
ship — P. J. De Witt : Oakland Township — Bradley Beebe ; Oakland 
Borough— Anson Andrews; Rush — Wm. Sherwood ; Silver Pake — 
Wm. Meeker; Springville — P. E. Brush: Susquehanna. 1st ward — 
M. J. Parabee; Susquehanna, 2d ward — W. H. Telford; Thomson 
Boro — J. D. Miller; Thomson Township — P. J. Wrighter; Union- 
dale — H. H. Pewis. 

W. J. Pike was chosen to a< t as permanent se< retary of the com- 
mittee. 

Adjourned to meet at New Milford, August 6. 



The Subsi ription Meeting at Hallstead. 

As soon as the place was finally settled upon for the celebration 
the people of Hallstead demonstrated how worthily the honor had 
been bestowed. A meeting of the citizens was promptly railed to 
take place at the office of Burgess Simmons and it was a crowded 
one. Among the business men who participated were N. T. Mitch- 
ell, J. R. Douglass. Dr. F. D. Lamb, C. J. Langley, John L. Smith, 
John A Millane, E. R. Mason. W. M. Snyder, W. V. Simrell, L. 
H. De Forrest, Dell Stanford, J. H. Hollon, L. B. Crook. E. D. Bur- 
ton, J. }. Stockholm, and E. E. Tuttle. The object of the meeting was 
to raise money for the Centennial fund. Within thirty minutes after the 
subscription book was opened the business men of the prosperous little 
borough had placed at thedisposal of the Executive Committee $300. 
A committee of ladies, with Mrs. G. W. Capwell as chairman, was 
appointed, and within a week the names of nearly every man, woman, 
and child in the village were on the subscription list. It is believed 
to be the first instance in the history of this or any other country 
where such a complete subscription canvass has been made with such 
results. It demonstrated that if Susquehanna County showed one- 
half as much interest in the Centennial as Hallstead did it would 
prove an unparalleled success, and it did. 

Meeting at New Milford. 

The 6th da) of August found a large gathering of the committee 
at the Jay House. At this meeting the Hon. Galusha A. Crow, the 
sage of Glenwood, was in attendance, and the following members of 
the committee were present : 

Bridgewater, M. J. Harrington: Brooklyn, C. J. Lathrop ; Clif- 
ford, Dr. E.Gardner; Friendsville, Richard Foran; Great Bend 
Township, lames T. Du Hois: Great Rend Borough, T. D. Esta- 
brooks; Hallstead, ('. M . Simmons; Hopbottom, W. 1'. Crandall ; 
lackson. R. 1 ). Benson; Montrose, George A. Post (proxy for Chair- 
man Beardsley) ; New Milford. ('. M. Shelpj New Milford Town- 
ship, A. l'». Rent (proxy lor R. J. De Witt) ; Oakland. Bradley 
Beebe ; Susquehanna, 1 st ward. I. ('lark, jr. (proxy for M. J. Lara- 
bee); Susquehanna, n] ward, William H. Telford; Thomson. J. 1). 
Miller: Rush. William Sherwood ; Jessup, Peter D. Roe. 

In the absence of Chairman Beardsley the Hon. George \. Post 
was 1 ailed to the < hair : W. |. Pike, secretary. 



23 

The question of finance was brought up, and the following reports 
were made concerning the amounts already pledged : Clifford, $25 ; 
Great Bend Township, $50; Great Bend Borough, $50: Hallstead, 
S400 ; Oakland, $50 ; Susquehanna, #100 ; Thomson, Si 5 : Mon- 
trose, S200. 

The chair appointed the following persons to invite some distin- 
guished citizen of the county to deliver the historical address : L. D. 
Benson, J. D. Miller, James T. Du Bois. After a short consultation 
it was decided unanimously to invite the Hon. J. B. McCollum, pre- 
sident judge of Susquehanna County. 

Owing to the fact that the date, 14th and 15th of September, al- 
lowed a very short time for proper preparations for the Centennial, 
and also that it would be impossible for the Governor of the State to 
ie present at that time, the date was postponed until some time be- 
tween the 10th and 15th of October, the precise date to be settled 
hereafter. 

The Hon. Galusha A. Grow, upon invitation of the (hair, ad- 
dressed the committee, giving much practical advice and encourage- 
ment to the enterprise. By a rising vote, which was unanimous, Mr. 
Crow was invited to be present at the Centennial and address the 
■eople. 

The chairman was empowered to select fifteen persons to consti- 
tute the Committee on Invitation. 

M. 15. Wright, of Susquehanna, was unanimously elected as treas- 
urer of the Centennial fund. 

A general managing committee was selected, consisting of the fol- 
lowing gentlemen: Hon. George A. Post, chairman ; Hon. M. J. 
Larabee, C. M. Shelp, C. M. Simmons, T. D. Estabrooks, O. H. 
Perry, James T. Du Bois. W. J. Pike was elected secretary of this 
1 immittee. 

Adjourned to meet at Montrose August 20. 

First Meeting at the Centennial Cabin • 

Was held by the managing committee on the 19th day of August, 
the following members being present : Hon. G. A.. Post, chairman ; 
Hon. M J. Larabee, James T. Du Bois, C. M. Shelp, ( '. M. Simmons. 
Capt. Beardsley was also present. 

The principal object of the meeting was to take preliminary steps 
incerning the arrangement of the programme. After considerable 



24 

discussion it was decided to have a grand parade, in which was ti. 
be represented every township in the county, all the civic societies 
professions, and occupations to take part, and the parade was to In- 
reviewed by the Governor and distinguished guests at the Log ( abin. 
a reception by the Governor to the old settlers of the count) at the 
Log Cabin, historical address by Judge Mc( lollum, addresses by Go\ 
ernor Beaver, Hon. G. A. Grow, ex-Governor ('. ('. Carpenter, ot 
Iowa; Hon. Martin A. Foran, of Ohio: Hon. Henry VY. Williams 
of Tioga County ; and Hon. W. 1 ^Y. Phelps, of New Jersey ; a Centen- 
nial hymn by Miss Sarah Jones, of Harford; a Centennial poem by 
Edith May, series of amusements, a band of Tuscarora Indians, ex- 
hibition of relics, music by all of the bands in the county, fantastic 
parade, fireworks and illumination of Mount Manotonome. 

By resolution the Hallstead Council was requested to give to the 
Managing Committee power to dispose of all privileges during the 
Centennial: also to permit the erection of the Log Cabin, already 
erected, which requests were promptly granted at a special meeting ot 
the Council. The authority to grant privileges was given to C. M. 
Simmons and James T. Du Bois. Captain Beardsley was authorized 
to secure necessary tents, and was chosen to a< t as grand marshal ol 
the great parade. 

Adjourned sine die. 

Executive Meeting \t Montrose joth oi August. 

This meeting was held in the court-house. Members present 
Chairman Beardsley, William Sherwood, W. 1'. Crandall, VVatsor 
Jeffers. C. J. Lathrop, C. M. Shelp, Peter I). Roe, James E. Car- 
malt, I). G. Titman, M. J. Harrington, L. J. De Wilt. W. J. Pike 
secretary. 

Hon George A. Post, i hairmanof Managing Committee, submitted, 
a draft of the Centennial programme arranged by his committee. 
,vhi< h (completed at subsequent meetings) will be found elsewhere. 

Each member of the Executive Committee was authorized to ap 
point one person in his district to collect relics. After a genera 
discussion the meeting adjourned subject to the < all of the chairman 

At the Log Cabin September ist. 

This was the most interesting meeting so far held, inasmuch as ; 
number of the Ladies' Auxiliary Committee were present, and much- 



enthusiasm prevailed. Members of the Executive ( Committee present : 
Chairman Beardsley, J. C. Bushnell, D. C. Titman, M. J. Harring- 
ton, C. J. Lathrop, F. A. Smith, C. M. Simmons, George E. Ressu 
guie, Watson Jeffers, W. P. Crandall, L. D. Benson, L. E. Stanford, 
E. B. Beardslee, L. J. De Witt, M. J. Larabee, J. I). Miller, James 
T. Du Bois. 

Members of the Ladies' Auxiliary Committee present: Mrs. S. B. 
Chase, Mrs. W. K. Hatch, Mrs. James T. Du Bois, Mrs. M. J. 
Larabee, Mrs. J. H. Cook, Mrs. John Hayden, Mrs. Wm. D. Lusk, 
Mrs. ( )live Mclntcsh. 

The date for holding the Centennial was definitely fixed for the 
ioth, nth, and 12th of October. 

The following committee of ladies were appointed to receive and 
care for the relics : Mrs. S. B. Chase, chairman ; Mrs. W. K. Hatch, 
Mrs. Olive Mcintosh, Mis. J. H. Cook, Mrs. M. J. Larabee, Mrs. 
James T. Du Bois, Mrs. Theodore Hays, Mrs. G. W. Capwell, Mrs. 
S. P. More, Mrs. Fred Smith, Miss Celia De Forest, Miss Kitty 
Hayden, Miss Agnes Pope. 

The happy proposition was made to give a banquet to all old 
settlers of seventy years and upwards, at which the Governor and dis- 
tinguished guests were to be present, and it was received and adopted 
with applause. 

The following Committee on Music was appointed : L. J. De \\ itt, 
George E. Resseguie, W. A. Southard, J. D. Miller, and C. M. Sim- 
mons. 

Miss Sarah Jones, of Harford, was unanimously chosen to write 
the Centennial hymn. 

Thefollowingcompletelistof the Ladies' Auxiliary Committee was 
approved by the Executive Committee, and the meeting adjourned 
subject to the call of the chairman : Apolacon, Mrs. E. B. Beardslee ; 
Ararat, Mrs. J. C. Bushnell; Auburn, Mrs. B. E. James; Bridge- 
water, Mrs. M. J. Harrington, Mrs. Lizzie Smith, Mrs. Pickering; 
Brooklyn, Mrs. H. L. Bailey, Mrs. E. A.Weston, Mrs. Ansel Tewks- 
bury, Mrs. Willis Kent, Mrs. Dr. Chamberlin ; Choconut, Mrs. 
James E. Carmalt, Mrs. John C. Morris, Miss Mary Chamberlain ; 
Clifford, Mrs. M. C. Stewart; Dundaff, Mrs. Susan Chambers: 1 >i 
mock, Miss Mary Sherer, Miss Lettie Woodhonse ; South Montrcse, 
Mrs. A. H. Jones, Mrs. J. D. Baker ; Forest Lake, Miss Sarah Wright ; 



26 

Franklin, Mrs. Aubrey Smith, Mrs. J. L. Merriman, Mrs. Hiram 
Smith, Mrs. J. H. Munger ; Friendsville, Mrs. Dr. Handrick; Gil - 
son, Mrs. Geo. B. Tiffany, Mrs. C. W. Resseguie, Mrs. Wm. Maxey, 
Miss Rhoda Carpenter ; Hallstead, Mrs. J. T. DuBois, Mrs. S. B. 
Chase, Mrs. Wm. Mcintosh ; Great Bend, Mrs. Emeline Griggs, Mrs. 
Theodore Hays; Harford, Mrs. Lee Tiffany, Mrs. J. C. Tyler, Miss 
S. M.Jones; Harmony, Mrs. Westfall, Mrs. McKune; Lanesboro, 
Mrs. David Taylor, Mrs. Lyon; Herrick, Mrs. Burritt, Mrs. Lyon ; 
Jackson, Mrs. O. H. Perry. Mrs. Alvin Bartlett, Mrs. William Holmes, 
Mrs. Ormer Olin, Mrs. Orville Griffis; Jessup, Miss Eliza Young; 
Glenwood, Mrs. Frederic P. Grow, Miss Hartley; Hopbottom, Mrs. 
Freeman Bell, Mrs. Myron Titus; Liberty, Mrs. Fred. Stanford, 
Mrs. Ansel Gere, Miss Carrie Truesdell; Middletown, Mrs. Mary 
Dimond; Montrose, Mrs. Henry Warner, chairman: Miss E. C. 
Blackman, Mrs. W. D. Lusk. Mrs. W. H. Jessup. Mrs. J. B. McCol- 
lum ; New Milford, Mrs. John Hayden, Mrs. Dr. L. A. Smith ; Rush, 
Mrs. V. L. Atwater, Mrs. I. F. Hillis, Mrs. Geo. Hillis, Mrs. Nor- 
man Granger; Silver Lake. Mrs. E. P. Rose. Miss J. Simpson; Spring 
ville, Mrs. Dr. Lathrop, Miss Philena Meacham : Susquehanna, Mrs. 
J. H. Cook, Mrs. M.J. Larabee ; Thomson. Mrs. C. R. Casterline, 
Mrs. N. S. Fester; Ararat. Mrs. J. H. Bloxham, M. C. Tyler; Au- 
burn Four Corners, Mrs. P. C. Bushnell; Auburn Centre. Mrs. John 
Tewksbury; West Auburn, Mrs. Theodore Hays; Elkdale, Mrs. J. 
C. Wells and Miss Eva Lowny; Uniondale, Mrs. Ashur Burdick; 
Dundaff, Mrs. George W. Hall ; Clifford, Mrs. George W. Stephens ; 
Royal, Mrs. Stephens: Great Bend, Mrs. T. 1). Estabrooks and 
Mrs. P. H. Lines; Clifford. Mrs. Ira J. Wetherby and Mrs. The< 
dore James; Gibson, Mrs. W. W. Pope. Mrs. Leroy Barnes, Mrs. 
I). E. Whitney, Mrs. Burton Tiffany: New Milford. Mrs. C. A. 
Summers, Mrs. W. T. Harding : Montrose, Miss Florence Lathrop. 
Final Meeting of Executive Committee. 

There was a large gathering of the Executive Committee at the Jay 
House, New Milford. on the 2 2(1 of September. Three ladies of the 
Auxiliary Committee, Mrs. John Hayden, Mrs. L. A. Smith, and 
Mis. C. W. Resseguie were present. Captain Beardsley presided ; 
W. J. Pike, secretary. It was the last meeting of the Executive Com- 
mittee, and ( 'hairman Peardsley took oc< asion to urge upon the mem- 
bers increased activity. lie presented the importance of ascertain- 



27 

ing how much money had been collected and pledged by the differ- 
ent towns and asked the various committeemen to report The roll 
was called with the following result: Ararat,—: Apolacon, — ; 
Auburn, Sro; Bridgewater, S25 ; Choconut, — ; Brooklyn, $5; 
Clifford, 1st district, #48; Clifford, 2d district, — ; Dimock, $50; 
Dundaff, — : Forest Lake, — : Franklin, — : Friendsville, £ 10. 75 ; 
•Gibson, $28.25 ; Great Bend Township, $50 ; Great Bend, $50: 
Hallstead, $400; Harford,—: Harmony, 1st district, — ; Har- 
mony, 2d district, — ; Herrick, — ; Hopbottom, $16.95 ; Jackson, 
$25; Jessup, — ; Lathrop, — ; Lenox, — ; Liberty, — ; Little 
Meadows, — ; Middletown, — : Montrose, $250 : New Milford, $50 ; 
New Milford Township, $10; Oakland Township, #30 : Oakland 
Borough,—; Rush, $25: Silver Lake,—; Springville, — : Sus- 
quehanna, $200; Thomson Borough, $17; Thomson Township. — ; 
Uniondale, — . Total, $1,299.95. 

The proffered use of Du Bois Grove, on Spring Farm, adjoining 
Hallstead, for Centennial purposes was accepted by the committee. 

The following Committee on Public Comfort was appointed : J. 
Gregg McCreary, chairman: Mrs. Dr. Dayton, Mrs. C. E.Ben- 
nett, Mrs. C. J. Langley, Mrs. O. A. Lines, Mrs. C. B. Woodward, 
Mrs. Henry Ackert. 

The chair appointed the following Reception Committee to receive 
and look after the comfort of invited guests. Hon. William H. Jes- 
sup, chairman: Hon. J. H. Cook, Hon. O. A. Lines, Hon. E. H. 
True, Hon. William Maxey, William M. Post, Esq., Gaylord Curtis, 
Esq., W. D. Lusk, Esq., James P. Taylor, Esq. 

The chair appointed the following Committee on Decorations : 
C. I. Langley, chairman; Richard Phillips, C. W. Bankes, L. B. 
(rook, Mrs. A. G. Young, Mrs. F. D. Lamb, Miss Jennie Barnes, 
Miss Theo. McKinney. 

A committee of five on Pyrotechnics and Illumination was ap- 
pointed, as follows: Frank Sands, chairman ; Dimmock Jenks, John 
Maynard, John W. Dusenbury, W. T. Estabrooks. It was decided 
to make a naval engagement on the river the main feature for one 
evening, and ''Admiral" Findon, of Susquehanna, was selected to 
have charge of it. 

Capt. H. F. Beardsley, Hon. George A. Post, and James T. Du 
P.ois were selected to complete and secure the printing of the pro 
gramme. 



At the written request of Treasurer M. B. Wright, of Susquehanna, 
E. R. Mason, of Hallstead, was appointed assistant treasurer of the 
Centennial fund: C. M. Simmons, M. J. Larabee, and C. M. Shelp 
were appointed as Finance and Auditing Committee. 

Chairman P.eardsley was specially directed by the committee to 
extend an invitation to W. F. Hallstead and wife, of Scranton, to be 
the guests of the county during the Centennial. He was also in- 
structed to make arrangements for excursion rates on the D. F. & YV. 
and Erie railroads ; to advertise for bids from experienced caterers 
to furnish the dinner to the old settlers; to select a leader for the 
Centennial chorus, and to decide as to the amounts to be expended 
in the different features of the programme. 

Each member of the Executive Committee was instructed to select 
a young lady from his district to a< t as waitress at the old settlers' 
banquet. 

After a full and free interchange of opinions it was decided that to 
entitle a person to be called an "old settler" he or she must he- 
seventy years old or upward and have resided in the county fort) 
) cars or more. 

The question of charging a small admission fee at the Relic Hall. 
in case the amount subscribed should be deemed insufficient, was left 
to the chairman of the Executive Committee, and the members of the 
Managing ( ommittee ; but in no case should those who have contrib- 
uted be (barged an admission fee. 

The meeting adjourned sine die. 

The Invitation Committee. 

The Hon. George A. Post, chairman of the .Managing Committee. 
who was empowered at the 6th of August meeting at New Milford to 
select fifteen prominent citizens of the county to serve on the Com- 
mittee on Invitations, with the understanding that he was to a< t as 
• hairman, selected the following gentlemen : A. Lathrop, Montn se ; 
Dr. D. C. Ainey, New Milford; W. Scott Brandt, Brandts; I.. 
Criffis, Jackson: E. T. Tiffany. Harford; Jno. Tewksbury, Au- 
burn; IF F. Handrick, Forest Fake; T. Sullivan. Silver Fake; T. 
P. Phinney, Dundaff; G. F. Lewis, Thomson: H. L, Bailey, 

oklyn ; V. Reckhow, Great bend: J. F. Merriman, Liberty; |. 
W. Chapman. Montrose. 

The following is as near a fac simile as possible of the first circu- 
lar sent out bv this i ommittee : 




Jgaiiquct -:- am! -:- J{cicptiou 

-to- 
OLD SETTLERS. 

LOG CABIN, Ha Us tea J, Pa., \ 

September 2bth, /S87. f 



At the celebration of the Centennial of the first white settlement with- 
in the territory now comprising Susquehanna County, to he holden on 
the mh, llth, and 12th of October, 1887, at Eallstead, a banquet will 
be tendered to the "old settlers'' who hare resided in the county for 
forty years or more, and are now seventy years of age and upward, and 
a special reception will be given them by His Excellency, lion. James 
A. Beaver, Governor of this Commonwealth, in the log cabin on the 
site of the cabin built by Ozias Strong, the first white settler. 

Of this honored number of our County s early settlers, to whom is due 
so much of its present prosperity, you are one; and we hereby extend to 
you a most cordial and pressing invitation to accept the hospitality of 
the County on Wednesday, October 12th, and join in the Centennial 
festivities, which must prove of especial interest to you. and which will 
'give you a splendid opportunity to revive old memories, renew and 
cement old friendships, and have a day of supreme pleasure. 

We beg you to bend every effort to honor the occasion with your pres- 
ence. 

Enclosed herewith be pleased to fin I "Banquet Card." presentation 
of which will entitle you to the distinguished consideration to be accorded 
the old settlers. 

Expressing the ardent hope that you may be given health and strength 
to accept this invitation, we subscribe ourselves. 
Yours Fraternally, 
GEO. A. POST, LEANDER GRIFFIS, THOS P. PHINNEY, 

A ZOR LA TJIROP, E. T. TIFF A N Y, Wf^rJvv^hn w 

J W. CHAPMAN JOHNTEWSKBVRY, VINCENT RECK SOW, 
D C AINEY HENR Y F. HAND RICK, J. L. MLRRIMAN, 

W.SCOTT BRANDT, TIMOTHY SULLIVAN, H. L BAILEY, 
Committee on Invitations. 



The committee extended invitations to the Governor of the State, 
James A. Beaver, and to the following distinguished sons of Susque- 
hanna County: Hon. G. A. Grow, Judge H. W. Williams, of Tioga 
County, Pennsylvania: Congressman Martin A. Foran, of Cleveland, 
Ohio; Ex-Governor C. C. Carpenter, of Iowa; also to Hon. W. YV. 
1 Phelps, of New Jersey. 

The following letters were received in reply to the invitations: 

Governor Beaver's Litter. 

Commonwealth ok Pennsylvania, Executive Chamber, 

Harrisburg, August i 8th, i88j. 
Hon. Geo. A. Post, Chairman, &c, Montrose, Pa. 

M\ Dear Sir: Your letter of the 12th instant, inviting me to 
participate in the observance of the 100th Anniversary of the settle- 
ment of the territory comprising the county of Susquehanna, be- 
tween the 10th and 15th of October, has been received. Iamgreatl) 
honored by the imitation, and will have much pleasure in accepting 
it if nothing now unforeseen prevents. I will endeavor to attend the 
meeting of the State Board of Agriculture at Montrose on the 13th. 
and will be glad to know which day of the Centennial exercises you 
would prefer that I should be at Hallstead. Please advise me as 
early as possible, as the pressure upon my time for that week is very 
great, and the arrangement of other engagements will depend upon 
the day fixed for my joining you in the services of vour Centennial. 

If convenient for you I would prefer to go to Hallstead after the 
meeting of the State Board. 
Very cordially, yours, 

JAMES A. BEAVER. 

The official announcement that Governor Beaver would be pres- 
ent at the Centennial sent a thrill of pleasure through the hearts of 
the masses, and it was especially gratifying to the old settlers, who 
were thereby assured of the honor of taking the brave soldier and 
eminent ruler by the hand and sitting down with him at the banquet. 
Judge Williams's Letter. 

Wellsboro, Pa., September p, 1887. 
My Dear Sir: Your kind invitation to attend the Centennial 
Celebration of the settlement of Susquehanna County is at hand. 
The session of the supreme court begins on the first Monday of ( >c 
tober (the 3d), at Pittsburgh, at which time and place I must be 
present. I shall endeavor, however, to be present, if possible, on 
the nth. 1 have an affection for the rugged hills and the sturdy 
men and women of Susquehanna County that will live while 1 live. 
1 shall never cease to regard with affection the count}' of my birth. 



3 1 

in which the years of my minority were spent, and whose soil holds 
the sacred ashes of father and mother. Thanks for the invitation. 
1 shall come if I can. 

Very truly, yours. 

HENRY VV. WILLIAMS. 

Congressman Koran's Letter. 

Cleveland, Ohio, September 6, 1887. 
1 )ear Sir : Your esteemed favor of September 3, extending an in- 
vitation to be present and participate in the Centennial Celebration 
of the first settlement of Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania, was 
received this morning. Please accept my thanks and present my 
compliments to the other gentlemen of the committee for your own 
and their kind consideration in this matter. It will afford me much 
pleasure to meet you and other citizens of my native county upon this 
occasion. If you will kindly inform me upon which day it would 
best suit your arrangements to have me present I will so arrange my 
business matters as to be present. Either day will suit me. 
I am, very truly yours, 

M. A. FORAN. 

Governor Carpenter's Letter. 

Fort Dodge, La., September 10, i8Sj. 
Hon. Geo. A. Post. 

Dear Sir: I have your letter of the 3d instant in which you invite 
me to be present at Hajlstead, in Susquehanna County, at the pro- 
posed celebration of the hundredth anniversary of the settlement of 
the county. The invitation, and the cordial words of the letter com- 
municating it to me, are most gratefully received. No ordinary diffi- 
culty would prevent me from responding in person. But 1 regret to 
say that private business, which I can neither avoid nor postpone, 
will prevent me from coming. A few years since I revisited my native 
town of Harford. The evidences of progress in every avenue of en- 
terprise with which I was met on every hand were to me a source of 
pride and gratification. In the years of my absence I had met, in 
other States, and in all the varied pursuits and enterprises of this, 
great country, many of the sons of Susquehanna ; and it was to me a 
source of gratification that my native county, and the people with 
whom my youth and younger manhood had been spent, could send 
so many of their sons to aid in laying the foundation of other Com- 
monwealths and to promote the industries of other communities, and 
yet keep abreast with any other locality of the civilized world in all 
the activities of this progressive age. I compared the comfort of her 
homes, the advancement of her system of schools, the growth of her 
church enterprises, the beneficence of her public charities, the wealth 
of her producing classes, the beauty and intelligence of her daughters, 



and the push and perserverance of her sons with that of my home on 
the more fertile prairies of Iowa, and I was more than ever convinced 
that man "constitute the State." 

All honor then to good old Susquehanna ! May she mine on by the 
unconquerable endeavor of her people like the waters of the river 
whose name she bears that broadens and deepens as they flow ! With 
great respect. 

Very truly, yours, 

('. C. CARPENTER. 

Chairman Beardsley's Headquarters in Montrose. 
The six weeks preceding the memorable three days of October were 
busy ones at Captain Beardsley's headquarters in Montrose, where 
he was assisted by Chairman Post, of the Managing Committee, 
and Centennial Secretary W. J. Pike. Circular after circular was 
sent out to the citizens of the county, one urging them to collect rel- 
ics for the exhibition, another couched in generous and kindly tones 
inviting the old settlers to the Governor's reception and banquet ; one 
appealed for money to meet the necessary expenses of the celebra- 
tion, another urged the different marshals to activity concerning the 
details of the great parade, and when the responses came pouring in 
the chairman and his assistants were surprised and overwhelmed. 
Endless lists of relics were brought in by every mail. No one had 
dreamed that the homes of Susquehanna County were such relic and 
art treasure bonanzas, and the old settlers' lists seemed to rival the 
relics. The thriving town of Gibson sent in a list of her oldest cit- 
izens, which we print herewith as a sample of the reports received: 
Gibson's Oldest Citizens. 

Matthew McPherson, 92: George Woodward, 86; Eliza Dimock, 
88; Lee Sparks, 86; Naby Maxon, 86; Nathan Kenedy, 85; Mrs. 
M. Chamberlin, 84; Pitch Resseguie, 83 ; Aliste Bennett, 82 ; Mrs. 
( 'banc ey Barnes, 82 ; Mrs. Ira Washburn, 81 ; Aaron Resseguie, 80 ; 
Lines Green, 81 ; Gerdon Abel, 80 ; Alonzo Kinney, 80 ; Mrs. Ray- 
mond Sweet, 80; Mrs. Roswell Barnes, 80; James Bennett, 79; 
Mrs. James Bennett, 78 ; Clint Roberts, 7S ; Mrs. Clint Roberts. 74 ; 
Mrs. P. G. Bennett, 77; Betsey Chamberlin, 76; Simeon Manzer, 
76; Zelotus Bronson, 75; Achus Card, 75; L. G. Bennett, 75; 
Mrs. John Senior, 75; Prescot Griggs, 78; Mrs. Prescot Griggs, 75; 
G. W. Pills, 75 ; Benjamin Bennett. 73 ; Harrison Resseguie, 73 ; 
Mrs. Wm. Thayer, 73; Wm. H. Pope, 73; Isaic Hallstead, 73; 
William Prescot, over 70; Lucy C. Chamberlin, over 70; Persilla 
Barnes, over 70 ; Owen Williams, over 70 ; Alvira Pickering, over 
70; Theron Washburn, over 70 ; John Brundage, 73: J. G. Stiles, 




(ATTAIN II. P. BEARDSLEY. 



33 

72 ; Mrs. Emily Woodward, 72 ; J. L. (iillet. 72 ; Mrs. J. G. Stiles, 
71 ; Almon Sweet, 71 ; Mrs. G. W. Bills, 71 : Mrs Wra. Roper, 
71 ; John Steenback, 71 ; Henry Howell, 70: Mrs. Price, 70; Ste- 
phen Potter, 70; J. Burrows, 70. 

The average age of the first thirty-one persons is a little over eighty 
years : the sum of their ages is 2,483 years. The average of the fifty- 
five is seventy-six years. The sum of all their ages is 4,189 years. 

These revelations of the remarkable longevity existing in our 
county demonstrated to the committee at once that to banquet all of 
the old settlers who had reached three-score-and-ten, as it was at first 
proposed, would require a mammoth tent four hundred feet long and 
three hundred feet wide, and no caterer could be found equal to the 
task of furnishing the dinner. Thus the necessity of limiting the 
number became evident, which resulted in placing the time of resi- 
dence in the county at forty years. 

The correspondence concerning the parade was immense, and often 
the midnight oil was burned in order to keep up with the work. 
The following as a sample of the circulars issued concerning the pa- 
rade is herewith given : 

Headquarters Executive Committee, 

Montrose, Pa., Sept. 15,188"/. 

Less than four weeks remain in which to complete preparations for 
our County Centennial. A growing and widespread interest is being 
manifested, and the committees need but the active aid and co-op 
eration of our citizens to render it an occasion forever memorable in 
the history of our county. The full programme of exercises will be pub- 
lished at an early day, and Centennial posters will soon confront you 
with attractive head-lines. 

The grand parade, which will take place on Wednesday, 0< tobei 
1 2th, will doubtless be the finest ever witnessed in the county. It is 
expected that each township and borough will be distinctly repre- 
sented in it, and they should at once take steps to organize their dele- 
gation. To facilitate organization, and to divide the county into 
convenient divisions, the chairman, who, by resolution of the Execu- 
tive Committee, was made grand marshal, has grouped the town- 
ships and boroughs of the county into seven divisions and appointed 
a division marshal for each, as follows: 

First Division — Auburn, Rush, Springville, Dimock. and Jessup. 
Marshal, D. C. Titman, of Auburn. 

Second Division — Forest Lake, Middletown, Apolacon, Little 
Meadows, Choconut, Friendsville, and Silver Lake. Marshal, Wm. 
A. Southwell, of Forest Lake. 



34 

Third Division — Brooklyn, Lathrop, Hopbottom, Bridgewater, and 

Montrose. Marshal, H. C. Jessup, of Montrose. 

Fourth Divison — Lenox, Harford, New Milford Township, and 
New .Milford Borough. Marshal, D. N. Hardy, of Lenox. 

Fifth Division— Clifford, Dundaff, Herrick, Uniondale, Ararat, 
Gibson, and Jackson. Marshal, Dr. Wm. Rogers, of Gibson. 

Sixth Division — Thomson Township, Thomson Borough, Har- 
mony, Susquehanna. Oakland Township, and Oakland Borough. 
Marshal, Wm. H. Telford. 

Seventh Division — Hallstead, Great Bend Township, Great Bend 
Borough, Liberty, and Franklin. Marshal, P, R. Barrager, of Great 
Bend Township. 

The division marshals hereby appointed will at once select an aid 
from each township and borough, comprising their respective divis- 
ions, and forward his name to the chairman. Aides to the grand 
marshal will be announced hereafter. 

A circular letter with instructions and suggestions will soon be for- 
warded to marshals and aides, but they will bear in mind, however, that 
special and distinctive features are left wholly to their discretion, and 
the divisions themselves should vie with eac h other in the number and 
character of their delegations. The bands of the county have been 
invited, and "formal" invitations will soon be extended not only 
to them, but to G. A. R. Posts, Sons of Veterans, Masons, Odd Fel- 
lows, Knights of Pythias, Red Men, fire companies, and other civic 
societies to turn out on that occasion. 

H. F. BEARDSLEY, Chairman. 

\V. f. Pike, Secretary. 

Around the County. 

The work of the Executive and Auxiliary Committees commenced 
in earnest about the middle of August. In every election district 
the Centennial missionaries were conspii nous. The humblest citi- 
zen's pocketdjook attracted them as the magnet draws the needle. 
Fifty cents were not quite as welcome to them as were five dollars, 
but they received careful consideration wherever they appeared. At- 
tics were turned up side down, old trunks covered with the dust of 
dei ades were opened, dark places were illumined by the light of in- 
vestigation, ancient articles that had been thrown aside as worthless 
were uncovered and suddenly became sa< red and priceless. The 
dilapidated spinning-wheels of the grandmothers neglected for years 
now became treasured trophies of the grandchildren. Those wonder- 
ful old bonnets of a hundred yearsago were dragged out of dingy closets 
■ vnd slicked up for the great event. The s \ < rd of die Revolution, the 
flintdock of 1812, the horn that served p >\vder to Sullivan's soldiery 



as they swept through the Susquehanna Valley, great-grandma's wed- 
ding dress, the pumps that Uncle Daniel wore, the tea-pot which Sit 
Walter Raleigh used while he was introducing the filthy weed into 
England, a bona fide Susquehanna County lizard that was extracted 
from a child's stomach, andirons that warmed grim old Puritan pio 
neers on the wild New England coast — these and thousands of curious 
mementoes of Auld Lang Syne were brought forth from their hiding 
places and prepared for shipment to the Relic. Hall at Hallstead. 
Every old settler was visited by the Centennial missionaries and ex- 
amined to see if he came within the requirements of " forty and 
seventy," and if that standard was satisfied he received his creden- 
tials in the form of a handsome banquet card. Everywhere mar- 
shals and their aides were busy making up the details of the great 
parade. At the firesides old men sat and told tales of early days, 
and they found always willing listeners, for " ye spirit of ye olden 
tymes" had returned, and the days that were gone long ago were 
lived over and over again. A universal feeling of sympathy with the 
Centennial prevailed at every hearthstone, and it was evident that a 
great celebration would be the result. How could it have failed to 
succeed with such an army of industrious, active, and liberal soldiers 
as were enlisted in its patriotic service? When the subscription pa- 
pers were passed around over one thousand two hundred persons 
generously placed their names upon the list. When the Auxiliary Com- 
mittee summed up the result of their arduous labors they found that 
nearly six hundred citizens had responded to their solicitations and 
confided to their care something over twelve hundred relics of ines- 
timable value, which were placed on exhibition at Relic Hall. 
When Professor Harroun appealed to the people to help organize his 
chorus one hundred and fifty well-disciplined voices answered to the 
(all. There were actively employed in securing this splendid re- 
sult over two hundred members of the various committees, making 
in all about twenty-one hundred persons who helped to achieve for 
our Centennial one of the most novel and successful celebrations that 
ever occurred in the State. 

Hallstead Prepares. 
Five days after the 30th of July meeting at the Mitchell House, 
<luring which the Executive Committee, by unanimous vote, decided 
that the celebration should beheld at Hallstead, N. T. Mitchell and 



36 

James T. Du Hois journeyed to Wolf Hollow, a small and prosperous 
settlement about two miles northwest of the village in search of a log 
cabin which was to be placed on the spot where the Strongs erected 
the first white house in the county. The object sought for was found 
on the farm of Peter Osterhout. Us dimensions were 15 x 22 feet, 
and for main years it had served as the home of the Osterhouts, until 
it was deserted by them for a more modern residence. John, the 
father of Peter Osterhout, was at home, and being told what was 
wanted of the cabin, he said : "If you want it for the Centennial you 
are welcome to it." 




THE CENTENN] \l. LOG C VBIM 



The Cabin Moving Bee. 

The next day at sunrise six teams, furnished by W. S. Barnes, J. 
F. Carl, N. T. Mitchell, Philo McDonald, John Chidester, John 
Babcock. R. C. Du Bois, and a number of citizens, among whom were 
Burgess Simmons, Walter Smith, Philo McDonald, jr., Frank Sack 
ett, Oliver McDonald, and James T. Du Bois, proceeded to Wolf 
Hollow, and as they approached the quaint old cabin John Oster- 
hout came out of his comfortable modern home and said: "Gentle- 
men, in that log cabin I spent the happiest years of my life, and there 
my children were reared. It sheltered me and mine through the 
storms of many bleak winters, but if you want it for the good cause, 
there it is; take it, but use the old home well. " 

In a short time there was a novel scene. Stalwart men mounted 
the roof and sawed it up into three parts, lowered them carefully, and 
loaded them into the wagons. A dozen hands commenced removing 
the chinkings, plugs, and moss. The southeast and northwest cor- 
ners of the logs were marked, and, beginning at the top, they 
were taken down and put into the wagons. Then the floor was lifted 
and loaded, and within an hour the old log house was on its way to 
Hallstead. Arriving at the picturesque bluff where the Strong cabin 
stood one hundred years ago, a crowd of public-spirited citizens were 
found ready to help in the reconstruction of the quaint hut. The 
bottom logs were unloaded and placed in position, and one saw from 
that moment the central object of the Centennial grow like a thing of 
life, and before noon of that memorable day a counterpart of the orig- 
inal log cabin stood on the original site, chinked, plugged, and 
nossed, a wonder to all. Scarce was the cabin up when a search was 
made for an ancient well which existed in the legendary lore of the 
village, and, lo ! it was found about twenty feel southwest from the 
cabin, covered with the debris of lime and filled with the rubbish of 
learly a century. Away went the debris, out came the rubbish, up 
went a quaint old sweep over the well, while an ancient-looking curb 
\as built around it, and to this day the traveler will find in its depths 
rystal-pure water to quench his thirst. 

While busy hands were helping to reconstruct the log < abin ( !apl 
R. C. Du Bois brought from the mountain side a number of old pine 
stumps, which he planted about the hut in such a manner as to be- 
ome realistic indeed, placing upon the one near the entrance an In 



3« 

dian stone wash-dish. A load of hemlock bark was brought front 
Kistler's tannery with which to thatch the roof. A. G. Brush, of 
Locust Hill, appeared with a fine buck's head, < rowned with superb 
antlers, which he nailed over the entrance. John Van Loan fur- 
nished stone for and Reuben Skinner built an old-time chimney. 
Nathan Brown hurried in with a pair of antique andirons and put 
them in the fireplace. Then some patriot came along with a coon skin 
and fastened it in the center of the eastern gable, and the facsimile 
of the first home built within the confines of Susquehanna County 
.vas complete. The place where the Governor of the great Common- 
wealth of Pennsylvania and other distinguished guests were to take 
nearly five hundred of the oldest settlers of the county by the hand 
and give them kindly greeting was ready, a sight the like of which 
they had never witnessed before, and in witnessing which they must 
have found their eyes moistening. 

The cabin was completed weeks before the Centennial, and owing 
to the postponement of the date there came a lull in local patriotism. 
But on the morning of the Monday preceding the celebration a change 
came. The final work of preparation began in earnest. The ugly 
snags which all through summer time had marred the placid bosom 
of the river gradually disappeared, and the broad reach of waters 
stretched away unbroken by their forbidding presence. The weeds 
and rubbish which had heretofore disfigured the grassy slopes of the 
Susquehanna melted away as if touched by a wizard's wand, and the 
whole river front presented a landscape pleasing to both citizen and 
stranger. Upon all sides were evidences of awakened public spirit. 
The paint-brush became active; new sidewalks appeared; piles of 
litter were deftly put away ; lawns received for the first time an au 
tumnal mowing ; Street Commissioner Mack and helpers, under the 
direction of Burgess Simmons, renovated the principal thoroughfares, 
and the village fairly smiled in anticipation of the honors that were 
in store for her during the week that was < oming. 

At The Rink. 

This odd-looking structure, situated on Mam street, is the prop- 
erty of VY. D. l.usk. (',. W. Capwell, and E. R. Mason. For years 
it has been the mecca of the roller skater and a place of public 
entertainments. It now became a busy spot. The contract for ar 



39 

ranging the rink for the reception of the relics was given to L. I!. 
Crook. He agreed that it should be in proper condition by Thurs- 
day preceding the Centennial week. By the assistance of J. B. John- 
ston, William Humphries, Lewis Wilmot, C. E. Bennett, and James 
Adams it was ready on the evening of that day, and, standing in 
the entrance of the now historic building and looking over the long 
reaches of tables, covered with wire netting to protect the relics, one 
could see how well the work had been done. As the carpenters went 
out the Committee on Decoration came in, composed of C. J. Lang- 
ley, chairman. ('. W. Bankes, L. I'>. Crook, Richard Phillips, Mrs. 
A. G. Young, Mrs. F. D. Lamb, Miss Jennie Barnes, and MissTheo. 
McKinney, all of Hallstead ; Miss Knapp, of Montrose, also as- 
sisted. In a few hours the bare rafters and unsightly ceilings were 
buried beneath evergreen, colored paper festooning, and a sea of 
(lags making the interior a charming picture. The decorators had 
scarcely finished their work when the relics began to arrive, the first 
being a queer-looking spinning-wheel, with complete paraphernalia, 
and a wonderful old hunting-horn covered with fine carvings. It 
bore the date 1750, and was carried by a soldier at the time Braddock 
was ambushed and killed near Fort Du Quesne. These were the 
property of Jacob McCloud, of NewMilford Township. Soon after 
these arrived, M. J. Harrington came from Bridgewater with a 
fine collection, and from this time on wagon loads of relics on the 
streets of Hallstead were common things. 

The work of the Relic Committee now became arduous, and until 
the close of the Centennial the following members of that excellent 
committee displayed untiring zeal and devotion in securing and caring 
for the flood of curios which poured in upon them from every cor- 
ner of the county : Mrs. S. B. Chase, chairman ; Mrs. G. W. Cap- 
well, secretary; Mrs. W. K. Hatch, Mrs. M. J. Larabee, Mrs. Olive 
Mcintosh, Mrs. J. H. Cook, Mrs. James T. Du Bois, Mrs. S. 1'. 
More, Mrs. Theodore Hays, Mrs. Fred. Smith, MissCelia De Forest, 
Miss Kitty Hayden, and Miss Agnes Pope. To these ladies the 
entire county owes a debt of gratitude which not even the sheriff can 
collect, for nothing can liquidate it. They received and superbly 
arranged the most remarkable collection of relics ever seen in the 
Northern Tier, or probably in the State, and returned them to their 
respective owners without loss or injury. 



40 

As soon as therein s began to arrive four responsible and faithful men, 
Frank Decker. Orrie Terboss, Richard Terboss, and P. H. Smith, 
were engaged to police the rink, and they were at times assisted in 
this work by Archie Conklin, L. S. Lowe, P. R. Eldred, and Ed- 
ward Powell. Several large tanks of water were placed about the 
building to be used in case of fire, and every precaution was taken 
to protect the priceless treasures which had been consigned by the 
patriotic people of the county to the care of the committee. By 
Saturday night nearly all of the relics were received, catalogued, la- 
beled, and placed in their allotted sections, ready for the formal 
opening on Centennial Monday. 

Around Town. 
During Saturday preceding the Centennial week Du Bois Grove 
became the scene of great activity. Contractor W. S. Barnes had a 
force of men engaged in building the grand stand on the grounds 
of Mrs Joseph Du Bois, adjoining the grove ; also a kitchen for the 
banquet tent and several small eating-houses. He was assisted by 
Fred. Terboss, Peter Osterhout, and Charles Williams. Early in the 
morning the banquet tent, 60x90 feet, and a number of smaller 
tents arrived, and at noon Mr. Sherman, of Montrose, aided by a 
large force of men, commenced raising them on the broad reach of 
flat land lying just west of Salt Lick ("reek. As soon as they were 
ii]) Philo McDonald. Jr., and Frank Sackett were put on duty as 
police, and L. IS. Crook arranged to construct 600 feet of table for 
the famous dinner. The southern approach to the bridge was gaily 
dressed with green bows. The splendid arches which \V. S. Barnes 
had sprung across Main street. Susquehanna avenue, and Harmony 
road were being handsomely decorated under the supervision of C 
J. Langley. The arch on Main street bore the inscription, "Hall- 
stead greets iw/ ; ' ' the one spanning Susquehanna avenue. "Wel- 
come /<> our Governor ," and the one across the Harmony road 
leading to the banquet tent, " Welcome, ye old settlers," while near 
the log cabin an immense portrait of W. F. Hallstead, drawn by J. 
Clark, Jr., was swung across the street :\n<\ gracefully trimmed with 
evergreen. The review stand was just opposite the residence of the 
Rev. James l'>. M< Creary, whi< h is the oldest house now standing in 
the county. It was upon the exact spot where the review stand was 



4' 

located that the following incident (furnished by the Rev. 1). F. 
Leach, of Newark Valley), occurred near the beginning of the pres- 
ent century: Col Baker was keeping a store in the building, and a 
man driving an ox-team attached to a cart stopped in front of the 
place, and, with an oath, cried out to the cattle, " Whoah-back ! " 
A tame crow, that had been taught to speak, flew upon the fore- 
board of the cart as soon as the man entered the store and repeated 
with an oath, "Whoah-back!" The oxen commenced backing 
across the road, and soon both were dashed down the steep bank 
where the review stand stood and were instantly killed. 

One brilliant feature in the decoration of Main street was the Ro>^ 
block, in which J. Clark, Jr., had located the headquarters of the 
Susquehanna Transcript, the only daily newspaper in the county. 
The large building was fairly buried beneath flags and bunting, and 
the mammoth picture of the log cabin drawn by Mr. Clark attracted 
universal attention. Mr. Clark, assisted by Frank Sands and Slater 
Lamb, produced all of the inscriptions used during the Centennial 
by the Decorating Committee, and for this and much other valuable 
service deserve special praise. 

On the border of the river, in the grove, the (beat bend and Hall- 
stead Drum Corps erected a fine dancing pavilion, and a large num- 
ber of booths and eating places sprang into notice on all sides. The 
new iron bridge across Salt Lick Creek received finishing touches 
under the supervision of Commissioner John Osterhout and Byron 
Smith. The big guns from Montrose arrived and were planted near 
the tents. John Maynard had wheeled his famous anvil to the banks 
bordering Salt Lick Creek, and had carefully placed the noisy roarer 
ready to salute the dawning of Centennial Monday. The various 
committees had done their work well : all was read}'. The sun sank 
below the western horizon with the thermometer at 65 . Not a cloud 
could be seen in the heavens. The day had been warm and beauti- 
ful ; the evening was quiet and serene. The Indian summer had ap 
parently come, and all greeted it as it had rarely been welcomed be- 
fore. 

A Slip Between Cup and Lip. 

The hollow winds begin to blow, 
The clouds look black, the glass falls low, 
The soot falls down, the spaniels sleep, 
And spiders from their cobwebs creep; 



42 

The squalid toads are often seen 
Crawling o'er the village green, 
Loud quack the ducks, the peacocks cry, 
The distant hills are looking nigh ; 
How restless are the snorting swine ! 
The lingering flies disturb the kine; 
Puss on the hearth, with velvet paws, 
Sits wiping o'er her whiskered jaws; 
'Twill surely rain, we see with sorrow, 
Our hopes are blasted for to morrow. 

As the sun rose over the pine tops that crown Mount Manotonome 
on Sunday morning he quickly gathered a gray covering to the clear 
sky, and the day was given over forthwith to the clamy influences of 
a dismal rain. But the sturdy hope of the true patriot did not wither 
as an autumn leaf, for, " like a glimmering taper's light, it illumed 
and cheered his way, and still, as darker grew the sky, emitted a 
brighter ray." It may be said, however, that the ray was not a 
grand burst of glittering glory, but simply a ray, that was all ; a ray 
Avith a doubtful glimmer. The outlook was certainly inauspicious. 
A few weak patriots muttered grim prophecies of a total failure of the 
Centennial and then wandered gloomily off to bed. 



THE PROGRAMME 



Monday, October 10. 

The day will be ushered in by firing of cannon and unfurling of 
flags. At i o'clock p. m. the Ladies' Special Relic Committee and 
all members of committees then present at Hallstead will meet at 
the log cabin, and, preceded by the Hallstead Cornet Band, march 
to the Relic Hall, which will be formally opened to the public by an 
address by Hon. S. B. Chase. The day will close with an illumina- 
tion of the town and fireworks. 

Tuesday, October n. 

The booming of cannon will announce the opening of the second 
day of the Centennial. 

The forenoon of the second day will be devoted to amusements and 
sports. 

At 2 p. m. the Reception Committee, with the band, will escort 
the speakers and invited guests to the grand stand. 

The literary exercises at grand stand will be as follows : i. Musk 
by the band. 2. Prayer. 3. Music. 4. Historical address by 
Hon. J. B. McCollom, Montrose, Pa. 5. Music. 6. Centennial 
poem, written by Edith May. 7. Address by Hon. Martin A. Fo- 
ran, of Ohio. 8. Benediction. 

Grand display of firework and special illumination in the evening. 

Wednesday, October 12. 

The Governor will arrive at 10 o'clock and be escorted to the log 
cabin. 

The parade will form promptly at 1 1 o'clock and division marshals 
will report at Log Cabin not later than 10.30. 

The parade will cross the bridge and move up Main street, in 
Great Bend, to the M. E. Church, when it will countermarch, recross 
the bridge, and, after passing in review, will be dismissed. 

The Governor will give a reception to the old settlers at the log 
cabin immediately after the parade. 



44 

A Centennial tree will be planted by Governor Heaver on the 
banks of the Susquehanna near the log cabin. 

The banquet to the old settlers and invited guests will follow. 
At 2.30 the literary exercises at the grand stand will take place. 
Music. Prayer. Music by Centennial Chorus, under leadership of 
Dr. A. K. Harroun. Addresses of welcome by Hon. James T. Du Bois, 
followed by addresses from Gov. James A. Beaver, Hon. Ga 
lusha A. Grow, and Judge Henry W. Williams. Centennial hymn. 
Long meter doxology by assemblage. Benediction. 

Grand naval battle on the river in the evening with pyrotech- 
nics and illumination. 



CENTENNIAL MONDAY 



At five o'clock on the morning of the 10th day of October John 
Maynard's famous anvil awoke the echoes in the mountains and 
filled the valleys with the rumble of its voice. 

As day broke a bitter wind came driving in from the northward 
strong enough to blow a land bird to sea. and it hurled along amass 
of storm-clouds which shed real damp showers that fluctuated be- 
tween hailstones and rain-drops, and yet the pretty village looked 
gay in its holiday attire. The high arches, sprung gracefully across 
the principal streets, were bright and fresh with flags and bunting, 
and all the thoroughfares seemed walled on either side by solid 
fronts of emblems and evergreens. The mountains which shape the 
splendid amphitheater, in the center of which Hallstead is situated, 
stood out in bold relief against the cold, gray horizon, and the river, 
rough with wind driven wavelets, moved majestically on toward the 
sea. li was not a good day for a celebration ; but it was the best we 
had, and therein rested our consolation. 

About ten o'clock the Hon. George A. Post. Hon. M. J. Larabee, 
Oliver II. Perry, L. I >. Benson, W. P. Crandall, and other promi- 
nent gentlemen connected with the Centennial arrived for the pur 
pose of participating in the formal opening of the Relic Exhibition. 
The Hallstead band, comprising the following members, furnished 
capital music from early m >rn till rainy eve: George Lamb, leader; 
Ira Preston, drum-major ; <). W. Capwell, Jerry Mahoney, Daniel 



45 

Ring, George B. Btown, John Cocldington, W. E. Barnes, M. 
J. Shannon, W. H. McCreary, E. F. Wilmot, James Simrell, 
Lew. Wilmot, W. F. Simrell, Slater Lamb, Charles Barnes, R. A. 
Phillips, Frank Thomas, and Sylvester Barnes. At 3 o'clock 
members of the different committees met at the Log Cabin, and. 
headed by this band, marched to the Relic Hall, which was crowded 
with visitors, and took positions in the east end of the building, 
where the ceremonies of formally opening the wonderful exhibition 
were to occur. The Hon. George A. Post, as chairman of the Man- 
aging Committee, presided. The Rev. L. W. Church offered the 
opening prayer, which was as follows: 

Thou blessed and eternal God, the God of our fathers and 
mothers, our God and Father, we ask for Thy Fatherly blessing now 
to rest upon us in this assembly. We thank Thee, Father, for the 
hundred years of prosperity now come and gone since the first settle- 
ment of this county. To day we gather together to give Thee thanks 
for present mercies and blessings. Let our hearts' gratitude go out 
to Thee in words and acts of true thanksgiving. We revere the fra- 
grant memory of our noble ancestors, who, in the front of mighty 
difficulties and exposed to many dangers and hardships, cut a way 
for liberty and prosperity through the forest wilderness. Give to us 
all a true appreciation of the noble work they wrought both for them - 
selves and their posterity. Bless, < ) Lord, this County Exhibition ; 
and as our eyes look upon the relics of a past generation of men and 
women make us grateful for our many and superior advantages. Keep 
us, O Lord, as a nation and people from all evil ; defend thou us 
from our enemies, and make us loyal to our heritage, and thine shall 
be the glory forever. Amen. 

At the close of the prayer Mr. Post announced that Hon. S. B. 
Chase, who was to deliver the opening address, had been unexpect- 
edly called to Easton by telegraph, and that Hon. M. J. Larabee, 
with but a moment's notice, had kindly consented to take his place. 
Mr. Larabee spoke as follows : 

It was only a few months ago that the people decided by the com- 
mittees sent out through townships in the county to hold the Centen- 
nial. Although the time has been very short we are surprised to see 
such an exhibition as is gathered in the hall. This is due primarily 
to the interest taken in the matter by the county, but it is principally 
due to the devotion of the ladies. These decorations and the gath- 
ering of the relics are the work of their hands. Here we see things 



4 6 

Ave never dreamed of. We become through these relics somewhat 
acquainted with our ancestors, and while we do not see their faces 
now we can see what they wore and the implements they used in 
husbandry. It is a good thing for this county that we are called to- 
gether in this capacity, and we hope that in the one hundred years to 
come we may make as much improvement as we have in the past. 

We boast of our intelligence and our progress, and we may well 
do so. We have a right to be proud of what has been achieved in 
the arts and sciences and in the improvement of the county at large. 

We thank the men and women of Hallstead for what they have 
done. They have done more than their share, and to them belongs 
a great portion of the credit of the success of the undertaking. 

With these few remarks we now declare the Centennial Exhibit 
open in due form. 

Chairman Post then delivered a short and patriotic appeal to the 
people for good-fellowship during the Centennial. He said: 

I feel impelled to add a few words to those already spoken. To 
me the greatest feature of all this Centennial Exhibition is that from 
all the townships there will come thousands of citizens, gathered to 
stand on a common platform. We do not come here to celebrate 
any victories achieved in war, but we come here to celebrate the re- 
sults of the pursuits of peace. One great trouble with humanity to- 
day is that we do not have enough of such gatherings as these. We 
are divided in politics and in religion, and we do not meet and 
commingle as we ought outside of these petty differences. 

Let us forget every difference in this celebration, remembering that 
we are citizens of Susquehanna County, and that we have met here 
for a grand neighborhood visit. On this occasion let us be friends. 
I hope that where there have been differences there will be harmony, 
and that this meeting will be fruitful in beating down barriers of pre- 
judice and bringing us into more cordial and neighborly relations 
with each other. 

At the conclusion of this address Rev. Mr. Church pronounced a 
benediction and the Hallstead Hand rendered " Auld Lang Syne" 
in an artistic manner. The Relic Hall was then formally opened to 
the public. 

The Relic Hall. 

Standing at the entrance of this quaint depository of the antiqui- 
ties of our people, and taking in the picture by one comprehensive 
view, the bosom of any well-regulated citizen of the county must 
have big-swoln with patriotic pride. Passing from one group of 



47 

curios to another, until the entire collection had been seen, the wis- 
dom of those who first proposed the exhibition and the skill of those 
who arranged it could no longer be questioned. 

Asa representation of those things which surrounded our forefathers 
in their frugal homes it surpassed the most sanguine expectations. A 
great volume would not suffice to describe in detail the use and his- 
tory of each article. Never before in the time of any people had 
such a golden opportunity been offered to view the ancient treasures 
of a county. Here the lovers of ornithology could gaze upon some 
of the rarest specimens of taxidermy art, among which the line col- 
lection of Dr H. A. Tingley was conspicuous. Here the geologi- 
cal student caught glimpses of the mineral kingdom that must have 
charmed his mind. Here he who has a predilection for old andirons, 
odd spinning-wheels, and curious gridirons must have revelled with 
delight. Here precious stones and pieces of rare old china abounded , 
each piece possessing an interesting history of its own. Here the 
vast array of truly remarkable old books must have touched the 
heart of the bibliomaniac as it had never been moved before. Ce- 
ramics in endless variety, fabrics of every conceivable texture and pat- 
tern belonging to the (lose of the last century ; implements of war 
used in the French and Indian struggle, in the Revolution, and in 
1812 ; implements of peace used in the piping times that followed ; 
ancient cooking utensils in countless forms ; a wonderful display of 
old pictures ; in short, a wonder-house that made all wonder. 

In the southeast corner the energetic Harford committee had placed 
-a complete and curious set of ancient furniture, while in the north- 
east corner, as a contrast, had been arranged a modern sleeping 
apartment. On the south wall hung a mysterious skin, called the 
" What is it?" a prize of one dollar being offered to the person who 
first guessed its true character. (It was a skin of a Shetland colt, 
furnished by Mr. Morris, of Montrose.) At the west end of the 
building the Hon. Galusha A. (iron hung a quaint old metal lamp, 
and called it the "electric light of a hundred years ago." It was 
the property of C. W. Conrad, of Lenox. In front of the long cen- 
ter-table, just at the entrance to the rink, Mrs. John Hayden and 
Mrs. L. A. Smith, of New Milford, swung a handsome "liberty 
bell" in a graceful arch of evergreen. Near this was a section of a 
wheel belonging to the first grist-mill ever built in the county. It 



4« 

was recently discovered on the old site of the mill near Brooklyn 
and brought to the exhibition by W. P. Crandall, of Hopbottonu 
Among the old books was a very ancient bible, which was once the 
property of Judge Thomson, one of the earliest settlers on the Great 
Mend side of the river. In the Hallstead display was a solid silver 
tea-set which was presented to Mina Du Bois and bride at their wed 
ling. The wonderful natural curiosity, (ailed the ''beech head." 
belonging to Dr. H. A. Tingley, attracted universal attention. The 
only reasonable explanation of this striking freak of nature is that a 
beech-nut must have fallen into a human skull, and developing, took 
the place of the brain and spinal marrow. It was found some 
twenty-five years ago by Dea. A. Meyers on the Starrucca Creek, 
and was so firmly rooted that it took two men to pull it loose from 
the earth. A piece of the rail split by Abraham Lincoln in 1830 was 
among the Auburn collection. Clifford, among a host of interest- 
ing articles, furnished the brass buckle which repelled a saber's 
stroke that might have ended the life of the Rev. Elnathan Baker 
in the Revolution. And as for things, and rare things, too, that came 
over in the May Flower, there were no end to them. It seemed that 
the entire population of Susquehanna County must have had a good 
friend or relative on that famous old ship. The favorite chair that 
Martha Washington used while sojourning at Newburgh was sat upon 
by a great many people during the exhibition, and a pocket-book 
with a piece of paper money in it, which was given to Simeon Gould 
by George Washington, was among the innumerable array of inter- 
esting articles. 

But who can adequately describe, in detail, this remarkable collec- 
tion of the county's curios. It was a wonderful muster of our 
wealth of ancient keepsakes and trophies, displayed in countless 
shapes and myriad numbers. Members of the Relic Committee who 
devoted a week to their careful arrangement confessed that they had 
seen but little of the exhibition. The thousands who visited the 
hall went away with words of surprise and admiration on their lips. 
It proved to them that Susquehanna County is really a store-house of 
choice mementoes of by-gone days as well as a young giant in modern 
progress. It showed the wonderful advancement we have made since 
the days of our forefathers and taught us more and more to appre- 
ciate what we owe to those brave pioneers. While the Centennial 



49 

itself gave an opportunity for the people to meet and exchange fra- 
ternal greetings, the exhibition offered them a chance to display a 
generous rivalry. It imparted a knowledge concerning the earlier 
tlays of our county, which no other source of information could 
supply. It kindled among our people a kindlier and more patriotic 
feeling. It proved, in reality, a blessing to us all. 

To the thousands who attended the celebration, but owing to the 
vast crowds were unable to see the exhibits, the following complete 
list of relics will be of interest. To the thousands whose privilege it 
was to view the rare collection, it will prove useful as a reminder of 
what they saw. To that body of patriotic citizens who loaned their 
tokens of other days to the exhibition it will recall their generous act, 
and to those who a hundred years hence shall celebrate our Bi- 
centennial, it will prove an invaluable record of the ancient treasures 
of Susquehanna County. 

List of Rf.i.h's on Exhibition. 

This list was prepared by Mrs. Could W. Capwell, the efficient 
secretary of the Relic .Committee. The work of compiling it proved 
a very difficult task, owing to the mass of relics which arrived at the 
rink, and to correctly list them became almost an impossibility. We 
know that the work has been conscientiously done, and feel sure that 
all interested will fully appreciate the manner in which the secretary 
has met the task. To those energetic and patriotic persons who col- 
lected and transported these treasures to Relic Hall belong the highest 
terms of praise : 



Mrs. Mary R. Tyler: Diploma of Ebenezer Kingsbury from Yale 
College; date, 1786; three sermons, by Rev. Ebenezer Kingsbury. 
1786; book, '• Life of Cotton Mather," 1729; bible printed in 
Edinburgh, 1766: book written by Mrs. Hannah Williston, 1759; 
book printed in Dublin, 1791; sermons by Rev. Peter Thatcher, 
1 798 ; Harford Selection of Hymns, 18 10 ; Sermons to Young People, 
1760. Mrs. Tyler who loaned these books is aged 92 years and 9 
months. Mrs. Carry Brooks: Bible, date, 1794; bed spread. 
1820. James C. Bushnell: Linen curtain, 1785: needlework 
wallet, 1778: wheel-TTead . 1810; candle-stick, 1785; pocket- 
lantern, chaffing-dish, warming-pan, conch-shell, 1780. Books — 
Expository of New Testament, 170S; Pulpit Bible, 1765; Pil- 
grim's Progress, 1704: Military Regulations, 1782; Sermons, 1767 ; 



Perry's Dictionary, i ;<;5 : Sermons, 1744: Religious Courtship. 
Pamphlets— Sermon, 1740; Catechism, 1788; Half-century Sermon, 
1 70S: Anniversary Sermon, [792; Counsels, by K. Walts, 1774; 
Luzerne Association, 1774: Our Country, 1771 : Soul's Health ; < Na- 
tion, t 7 7 S : Sea Journal, 1804: Black Book, &c. , 1742; MSS. Let- 
ter, by E. Bushnell, 1800; Poetry. 1783: First Paper in America, 
1704: Almanac, 1771: Lister Gazette in mourning for General 
Washington, 1800. 

AUBURN. 

lohn Bean Isle v : A hook of sermons, published in 1727; fork, 
hammer, auger, and tongs, brought to Auburn by his father, in 
1 8 1 7 ; pair silver knee-buckles; chisel used by the Indians in skin- 
ning deer; also a pestle, used to grind corn: piece of rail split by 
Abraham Lincoln in 1830, procured by E. L. Adams at the sanitary 
fair, Chicago, June, 1865. D. D. Millard: Lance found on his 
farm: metal tankard ; was part of a communion service in the Pres 
byterian Church in the town of Shillingly, Windham County, Con- 
necticut, in 1745. John Bushnell: Huntington Geography, text 
book, fifty years ago. Henry Rose: Brace and bit made and used 
by his grandfather in 1797. Sallie Harris: Apron woven anil 
worn by Wealthy Safford one hundred and thirty years ago. Alex- 
ander Stevens: Bull's-eye watch, one hundred and twenty-five years 
old; old English penny and two-penny piece, 1797. Mrs. G. 
Tewksburv : Bed-curtain, 150; silver school medal. These medals 
were worn a day or week as reward for studies and orderly conduct. 
Charlotte Bunnell: Bread salver, 80. Benton E.James: Shaving 
box, was owned by his great-grandfather. Cecelia bushnell: 
Plate, 80. 

BROOKLYN. 

Mrs. Chris. Perkins: Black crape dress: bed-quilt, 100; long 
shawl. Mrs. |. O. Bullard: Linen shirt made in 1778. Mrs. Mal- 
tha Reynolds: Three bed-cpiilts, all very old. One was made of a 
light chintz, which cost S v . 75 per yard. Miss Euphemia Reynolds: 
Linen sheet ; Bible, printed in 1785. and bought of the Indians on 
Long Island. Miss Eunice Bailey: Bed-quilt, 120; warming-pan, 
1790: pewter plate; pewter platter, 1802; pewter tea-pot. Mrs. 
Gilbert Smith : Bed-quilt, 150 ; $25 paid for quilting. Mrs. E. G. 
Palmer: Stand cloth. 150: English grammar. 1763: splasher, 
made on linen, 125: work-pocket, 100: half handkerchief, 136; 
linen towel. 160; pair stockings, 125. Obadiah Bailey: Copy- 
book. 97: wooden lantern. 1 So 1 . John Chapman : Bible, 1734. 

BRIDGEWATER. 

Mr. Joel Griffin: Pair brass andirons: pair candle-sticks: 3 
combs. Gilbert Stephens : Bread -toaster. Jerome Waid: Tin bake- 



5> 

oven. \\ . VV. Bullard : Two silver teaspoons. Spencer Watrous: 
Mortar; warming-pan. C. L. Watrous: Stone pestle. Mrs. Kir by 
Bunnell: String gold beads ; sugar bowl. Mrs. Augustus Gregory: 
Fan. Richard Rogers: Hammer: knife; account book. Mrs. 
Lydia Babcock : Linen towel. Miss H. H.Harrington: Blanket; 
towel; Bible, and window curtain. Mrs. D. H. Hinds: Candle- 
stick: pair andirons; snuff-box; mortar and pestle. Mrs. Ambrose 
Allen: Silver tea-pot; platter. Mrs. L. C. Day: A little shoe; 
pair sugar-tongs : runlet, or wooden cask. Mrs. Mary Day : An old 
blue sugar-bowl. Mrs. S. H. Harrow: Hymn-book; manuscript, 
poem; hammer. Mrs. J. M. Pickering: An old prayer-book; 
Ln i ted States money used during war. 

CLIFFORD. 

Mrs. Mary Smith Severence : Bible presented to her mother, 
Amy Comstock, by the latter's father in the year 1786; fancy 
straw-covered box, brought from England 150 years ago; sil- 
ver tablespoon, brought from England in the early settlement 
of New England over 200 years ago, presented to her by her 
grandmother, Mrs. Joshua Smith ; silver teaspoon, made from 
a silver cup brought from England by James Comstock previous 
to 1750. The spoon was a wedding present to Mrs. S.'s grand- 
parents in 1772. Silver thimble, 135 years old; two pairs silk 
stockings, worn by David Smith and wife on their wedding-day, 
■So years ago. Mrs. George R. Saunders : Snuff-box, with mirror in 
cover: bears motto, " Prosperity to the United States," 100 years 
old: handkerchief picture, with portrait of Huntington and an ab- 
stract from his farewell address, printed about 1800. Mrs. Peter 
Bennett: Profile portrait of Mahlon Clark, uncle of the late Capt. 
M. C. Stewart, taken 80 years ago. Robert L. Hunter: Powder 
born, engraved " D. C. 1720:" was carried by his grandfather in 
the Revolutionary war. Mrs. Asher Peck : Table-fork, belonged in 
1768 to her great-grandmother, Ann Huntington. Mrs. Wright 
AYells: Paper box, made in England soon after the discovery of 
matches; it contained " Lucifers which instantly ignited by drawing 
sand-paper briskly over the end;" brass buckle, worn by Rev. El- 
nathan Baker in the Revolutionary war and it saved his life when 
struck by a saber, the saber-cuts visible on the buckle. Mrs. Dr. P. 
H. Gardner: Pair silver shoe-buckles, worn by her grandfather, 
Caleb Richardson, 100 years ago, given to her about the year 1828 
with the request that she keep them to show her grandchildren 
••what he used to wear;" hymn book, brought from Massachu- 
setts to the Nine Partners' settlement about 1794 by Mrs. Merc \ 
Tyler Carpenter ; 2 volumes "Essays, Scientific and Literary," 
printed in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1754 ; trunk, covered with dry 
deer skin, very old. Dr. P. H. Gardner : Pr. obstet. forceps, made 



5 2 

by a blacksmith, formerly the property of Dr. Braton Richardson. 
Samuel Arnold: Brass warming-pan. M. A.Gardner: Pine-knot 

mallet, made by his grandfather about 1830. Mrs. Lucy Merriman : 
Spice-mortar (wood) ; pr. tongs, known to have been in use before 

1790. Mrs. W'm. 1). Horton : Wedding apparel, over 60 years old, 

1 onsisting of dress, skirt with hand-made embroidery, silk waist and 

cap, also pair ear-rings ; pewter plate ; 4 pieces of china, of quaint 

ign and over a century old ; pr. brass candle-sticks, known to be 

>ver 80 years old; silver tablespoon, belonged to her great-grand- 
mother and is over 125 years old; carpet coverlid, woven in Au- 
burn prison over 70 years ago; fruit piece, painted 70 years 
ago. Elisha Burdick : Chopping knife, made in Rhode Island. 
from a hoe, in 1797. Mrs. John Hull: Fan, given as a wed- 
ding present no years ago. ingenious in make and artistic 
in design, came from the West Indies; snuff box. made of 
horn and silver, has •• ('. T. 1 S 1 5 " engraved on cover, very unique. 
Airs. Geo. H. Stephens: Mug and silver teaspoon, upward of 100 
years old. Miss Belle Hobbs : China cup and saucer, 104 yrs. old. 
Mrs. Amelia Stewart : Pr. copper candle-sticks and stand, belonged 
to one of the earliest settlers of Clifford Township, Philip I. Stewart. 

Mil formerly to Mrs. Margaret Clark ; they are more than 125 years 
old. Mrs. Jennie Bigland Bennett : child's shoe, of leather, wood, 
and iron, 50 years old ; two china teapots, 104 years old. Mrs. 
James Wells: Mortar and pestle, the latter was found on an Indian 
camping-ground by Rev. Elnathan baker; Scottish costume, brought 
from Scotland by Mrs. Wm. McAlla 50 years ago. Ira J. Weth- 
erby : Flax wheel; ancient candle-stand. T. W. Atkinson: 
Writing desk, made of black oak by his great-grandfather, Thomas 
Wilson — it was brought from England about 50 years ago — has " T. 
W".. 1753 " deeply carved in the front. Mrs. Geo. Simpson: Linen 
sheet of English manufacture, very old. B. F. Wells: Saddle-bags, 
used by Wm. Wells for carrying surveying instruments in surveying 
lands in Susquehanna County in the years i830-'4o. Mrs. L. Big- 
Greene: China teapot, an heirloom over 200 years old. Mrs. 
Clara bigland Wells: Milk pitcher, over 100 years old. 

FORI ST LAKE. 

[.. T. Bin hard : A dish which came to this country in the May- 
flower : A china punch-bowl, brought from China by his great-grand- 
father, who was a sea captain mure than 100 yrs. ago ; two silver 
stock buckles. 100. Mrs. E. B. Slauson : Continental money, Jan- 
1. i77<>: pr. silver candlesticks, brought to this country in 
1 S 1 7. Mrs. L. T. Birchard : Wedding dress worn by her grand- 
mother Trac v 98 years ago : silk dress worn by a great aunt 100 yrs. 
plate, [50; pr. silk stockings, 100; table-cloth, 160. 



5.5 



FRANKLIN. 



Mrs. William McKibby : Snuffers and tray (silver), sugar spoon 
and tongs, fruit knife, teaspoons, salt spoons, stone, pin and ear-rings, 
silver pitcher, labels for hanging on decanters, silk shawl, 200; 
shawl, 100; profiles, 60. Josiah Baker: A bottle, 150. Mrs. S. 
1). Purrell : China plate, 100 ; tea-pot, 100; cream cup, 100. H. 
Harris: Shot-bag, made by his grandfather while in the Revolu- 
tionary war. Miss Ransom: Calander, brought from Ireland 100 
vrs. ago. F. S. Smith: Family bible, owned by a Rev' y soldier. 
Mrs. M. R. Cere : Pair candle-sticks. Mrs. Irwin Baldwin: Rock- 
ing chair, 100. Maynard C. Baldwin: Trunk, 150. Mrs. William 
Harrison : Teaspoon, 100 : splasher, made of linen spun and woven 
bv her great, great, great-grandmother. E. B. Handrick : Pewter 
plate, now in the hands of the fifth generation. Mrs. Esther Banker : 
Bedticking, woven by Wright Greene, a Revolutionary soldier. S. 
G. Handrick: Teaspoon, 100 ; towel, 128 ; pin-cushion, 100. Mrs. 
lv. W. Smith : Towel, linen woven and spun by her great grand- 
mother ; ends embroidered by Mrs. Maria Southworth when 70 yrs. 
old. M. Baker: Wine glass, 150. H. L. Hitchcock: Picture of 
Mrs. Sarah Thomson, who died in 1862 at the age of 103 years ; 
photo, taken at the age of 100 yrs. Harry Smith : Arm-chair, the 
owner of chair is now 80 years old. and his mother rode in this chair 
from Connecticut to Susquehanna County on an ox sled. Mrs. H. 
G. Townsend : Sugar-bowl, 100. William Watson: Hatchel and 
cards, such as were used by the "old settlers." Mrs. D. B. Town- 
send: Earthen crock, 200. E. Curtiss : Pocket-book, 100; news- 
paper, printed 1764. P. Wheaton: Pr. shoemaker pincers, 130; an 
instrument used in making a harness for weaving, 130. Munson 
Peck: Hayfork. 100. Melvin McKinney : Warming pan, 80. John 
Boyd: "Confession of Faith," 131. Mrs. P. T. Dearborn: Pr. 
tongs, 100. Miss Laura Pierson : Silver spoon, 200. Mrs. John 
Cromwell: Coffee mill, 200. Mrs. William Burrows: Foot-stove, 
100. J. L. Meriman : Cream pitcher, 100. 

GELATT. 

Mrs. Danford Walker: Baby's mitt, ti6; Pewter platter, 
125. Henry ( ielatt : Waffle iron, 100. Mr. Chester Bills: Book, 
"The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul." 83 years. Oliver 
Walker: Family Bible, 81. Mrs. Henry Cole: Earthen mug, 1 773 ; 
deep-red plate, Came from Scotland, 100. Ceo. Hine: Large tea 
salver, 100; Blue teacup and saucer, 80. Mrs. William Colvvell: 
Sugar-bowl and creamer: supposed to be over 100, very ancient in 
>tvle. Mrs. Geo. Potter: Mulberry tea-set — sugar-bowl, tea-pot, 
and cream pitcher, 90. Calvin Parmenter: Pewter tea-pot ; 1 qt. 
iron kettle, both 200; gun, US25 ; large powder-horn. 1S00. Mrs. 
Horace Stearns : Embroidered linen bed curtain: embroidered linen 



54 

bed valance ; silver teaspoons, all over 100. Barney Shepherdson : 
Iron tea-kettle, belonged to his grandfather. Nehemiah Barnes, who 
was a Revolutionary soldier. Eli Low: Rocking chair: glass salt 
cellar, both ioo. Mrs. Emory Gelatt: Large mulberry plate, 100. 
Mrs. Arvilla Gelatt : Knife, 90. Richard Gelatt : 1 glass decanter, 
belonged to a Revolutionary soldier. Miss Mar)- Pope: Wooden 
work box, with landscape painting on cover, is over 100 years old; 
Chinese cup, came from England over 100 years ago: hand-made 
lace baby cap; silk embroidered portrait. -Mrs. Harrison Barnes : 
Indian relics : large pestle and an instrument used for skinning 
game. Rev. R. G. Lamb: Huge shark's tooth; collection of an- 
cient coins, among which was a " pine-tree shilling," dated 1652. 
Mrs. Geo: berry: Piny earthen jar, 100. Mrs. MaryEymer: Spec- 
tacles and thimble, belonged to the wife of a Revolutionary soldier, 
named Mrs. Susanna Stanton. W. W. Pope : Horse-hair bed-cord, 
made by his great-grandfather, David Stanton (a Revolutionary sol- 
dier), 100. Mrs. Myron Barnes: Pewter platter, 200. Mrs. Geo. B. 
Milliken: Warming-pan. Nelson Dickey: Boot and shoe iron last,, 
100, was used by a shoemaker in Wales. 



Mrs. William Clark : A very ancient sampler (so labeled), book,. 
"Domestic Medicine," 1 7 7 S ; Family Bible, printed in 1756; 
silver teaspoon, made from a knee-buckle worn by an officer in the 
Revolutionary war. J. W. Chamberlin : A sad-iron, somewhat re- 
sembling a tailor's goose, 200. Mrs. Wm. Roper : Bible, 1715. Mrs. 
H.L.Abel: Welch Bible, 1 773. Henry Abel : History of " Early 
Indian Wars," 1777; Continental currency, 1777. Geo. Morgan: 
Side saddle. L. J. Reese: Pawnee bow and arrows and case; nine 
photographs of " Early Settlers " of Gibson. J. M. Potter: Com- 
mission as "captain" issued to Joseph Potter in 1798, warrant as 
tax collector, 1818 ; tax duplicate for Gibson, 1818; account book 
of Joseph Potter, 1793: teaspoon, 75 ; wheel head, pewter platter, 
knife basket, waffle iron, saddle' bags, 100. A. C. Sweet: Book of 
plays, 1794; advanced mathematical work, 1651: deed. 1710: 
bill of sale of negro in Conn, in 1 745, porringer, 100; plate. Mrs. 
Myron Barnes: 4 deeds, [759-177] : plate, 200; pewter platter. 
Mrs. James Hill: Pair of wine-glasses, nearly 200 : frilling iron, 
ancient. Mrs. J . L. Cillett : Daboll's Arithmetic, 1S27: English 
Reader, [823; Murray's Grammar, 1829; copies Susquehanna 
Couuntv's Register. 1838; salt spoon made of a knee-buckle, silhou- 
ette. 50 : pillow. So ; skillett. 60 ; powder horn, 87 ; lady's collar, 
55; lady's back comb, 50 ; plate, 65; Bandanna hand'f, 50; home- 
de hand'f, do; pr. silk stockings, 81. W. A. Chamberlain: 
Account book of Moses Chamberlain, 1778: account of official 
business as |. 1'.. 1794: deed for 12.000 aires of land. 1771 : pod 



er, 97 : mortar and pestle : pen case and pen, sword, saw, Revo 
lutionar'y relics. F. P. Payne: Teaspoon, 90. Ceo. B. Tiffany: 
Miniature portrait, printed in 1798; towel, 150: wooden water 
bottle, 70 : Indian arrow heads. Mrs. Wm. Thyer : Towel. So ; 
wine-glass, 81; foot stove, cane, lady's bark comb, 60. Mrs. 
Stephen Potter : Saddle bags, 90. Mrs. P. Tiffany : Pair ear-rings, 
150. 

S( )l TH ' 1IBS< iN. 

Ceo. E. Resseguie: Collection of Indian relics plowed up on a 
farm originally settled in 18 13. Mrs. John Owens : Stand spread 
of West India sea grass. Mrs. William Dowd : Small wooden trunk, 
100: dictionary, 1777. Richard Owens: Old-style gentleman's 
neckwear. G. C. Brundage : Collection of Indian relics found in 
this county, viz., elk-horn, spear, arrows, &c. Mrs. Eliza Dim- 
mick: Dress shawl, 60; pair gloves, yarn spun, colored, and knit 
by herself, the present summer, when nearly 87 years of age. John 
Steenback : Book, Christian Theology, 1788; Silver ornament dug 
from an Indian's grave in Nebraska. Mrs. John Steenback : Linen 
bed curtains, 100; pair gold ear-rings, 100. Russel Tiffany : Pocket- 
book used by his father, one of the early settlers of Lenox, Pa. 
Mrs. Emily Woodward: 1 coverlet, manufactured by her grand- 
mother, more than 100 : satin ribbon bow worn by same grandmother 
100 years ago; ancient miniature, gold rimmed. Alonzo Kinne : 
Aged 82 years, photograph of himself and wife, early settlers ; loper, 
an instrument used by a ropemaker in making codfish and other small 
lines 100 years ago. David Tobias: His father's wedding kerchief 
(silk), 100. Francis Davis : Ancient sun-glass, used for lighting tire 
before the era of matches. G. G. Woodward : His father's wedding 
hat. The owner (Geo. W. Woodward) was present at the "Centen- 
nial," aged 86 years. Mrs. Geo. Hanyon : 1 pair shoe buckles, 100. 
Mrs. Solomon Pickering: Revolutionary snuff-box with Washing- 
ton's face on cover. Mrs. Lucinda Pickering : Cane-head (engraved ), 
belonged to her grandfather. William Conrad, who was the first 
settler of Brooklyn, Pa. Edgar Belcher : Ancient coins, one dated 
3674; photographs of his father and mother, early settlers: box, 
glass cover. Mrs. Edgar Belcher: Child's apron, pair pantalets, 
waistcoat, all of the fashion of 50 years ago. Airs. Timothy Carpen- 
ter : Table linen manufactured by her mother, Mrs. Darius Tinglev. 
of Harford, 1 in the year 1800 when only 15 years old. Timothy 
Carpenter : Newspaper, Montrose Gazette, 18 19 ; wooden plow 
brought from Attleboro' by his father, David Carpenter. Mrs. Chas. 
W. Resseguie: Rolling pin. belonged to her grandmother : antelope 
horn. Thos. Jefferson Manyer : Dutch neck-yoke (for horses), 100. 
Elisha Maxson : Collection of Indian relics, consisting of pestle, 
hatchet, and several arrows plowed up in Susquehanna Co.; ham- 
mer, 150 : photo, of his mother early settler now living in her 87th 



56 

year ; punk, Hint, and iron used by his father in lighting his pipe; 
wooden mortar, 100 ; books — Path to Happiness. 1798; Baxter's 
Warnings of the Dead, 1802 ; Noah Webster, Jr.'s, Grammar, 1798 ; 
Religious Courtship, 1810 ; "Arithmetic!? " by Nicholas Pike. 1804; 
family Bible, 1783. Fitch Resseguie : His father's family Bible, 
weighing over 18 lbs. cost, in 1845. $10.88; bought by his father, 
who was the first to settle in South Gibson in 1813 : also photo, of 
Ids father. Samuel Resseguie. 

GREAT BEND TOWNSHIP. 

]ohn Osterhout: Shoe hammer, 1S0 : lantern, 100. Mrs. Sarah 
Tewksbury: Trunk, 150. Mrs. Chas. Warner: Foot stove, 120; 
spinning wheel, 150 ; mortar and pestle. Mrs. Josephine Trow 
bridge: Pepper-box, tea-cup and saucer, 100. Mrs. Henry Mericle: 
Snuff-box, 200; pin-cushion, 100. Mrs. William Decker : Sugar- 
bowl, j 50; platter, no. Mrs. Amanda Johnson: Picture of the 
first bride in the Susquehanna Valley. George Tuthill : China cup, 
150. This cup was owned by a lady whose father built Washing- 
ton's headquarters at Newburg, N. V. B. B. Tuthill: Silver table- 
spoon, 127. Mrs. Eliza Judd : Conch-shell horn, 200. Was used 
to call the neighbors in times of danger, and could be heard five 
miles away ; volume of poems. 1 78. Mrs. Emma Macollister : Cup 
and saucer, 150. Mrs. N. W. Stone: Paper. American Gazetteer, 
89: linen thread, 70. Mrs. C. C. Brush: Water-color painting, 
i ro ; painted by Miss Ellen Chase, whose father was a captain in 
the Revolutionary army. Mr. A. G. Brush : Cane, 150. Mrs. Will- 
iam Vroman : Spectacle case, 150. Mrs. Harriet Hendrickson : 
Brass candle-stick. 75; Sugar-bowl, 50. Robert Roosa : Three-tined 
barn fork, 100. ( ). A. Fox: Cooper's adz, 100: pr. tailor's shears, 
80: augur. 70. Mrs. C. B. Dixon: Toasting iron, 70; plate. This 
plate was one of the wedding gift of Mrs. Sally Ford, who was mar- 
ried in 1812. Mrs. Lucy Mayo : Silverspoon, 100. Almyron Foote: 
Trunk, 75. 

GREAT BEND. 

Mrs. Catharine Conkling : Pair of tongs. 1767; copy of Declara- 
tion of Independence, second one issued. [776. O. T. Conkling: 
\ Dutch neck yoke, came from Holland : wagon chair. 1790 ; Con- 
gress bell. Mrs. Adelia blessing: A rocking chair.and pairof tongs, 
relics of the Revolution. Richard Gillispie: Bible, published in 
Glasgow in 1777: Book of Sermons, published in 1687: pair snuff- 
ers and tray. William McPherson : Brittania teapot, once owned by the 
Dimond family ; pair andirons; tin trunk. Philo Hamlin: Windsor 
< hair, 80: steel for sharpening knives. 1 arried through Revolutionary 
war by Jonathan Hill. Reuben Howard: Sword, carried b) Captain 
Ha) ward in Revolutionary war. Mrs. I >iana Norton : Pair si Ik mitts ami 
tic. 100. Mrs. Thomas Hays: Trunk, used by paymaster in Revolu- 



tionary war : piece of cloak worn during Revolutionary war ; '-An 
assessment list" of Willingboro', now Great Bend, made in 1796, 
and contains the names of all the inhabitants in the territory now Sus- 
quehanna County, written by Jonathan Newman, great-grandfather of 
Theodore Hays' Mrs. Theodore Hays: 3 embroidered pictures, 
made in the year 1800 ; bed curtain. Mrs. Sarah Swagart : Book of 
Sermons, 200; cream pitcher; Indian relic. O. A. Lines: Com- 
mission to Rufus Lines from Gov. Trumbull, 1 79S ; Masonic certifi- 
cate, 1798. 

HALLSTEAD. 

Mrs. E. H. Eager: Chemise. This chemise was worn by Mrs. 
Hasbrook, who owned and lived at Washington's headquarters 
in Newburg, N. Y., during the Revolution: chair. This chair 
was used by Martha Washington during the time of her stay with the 
General at the home of Mrs. Hasbrook at Newburg, N. Y. Dr. ('. 
N, Van Ness: Cow-bell, 136. Mrs. L. B. Crook: Pair of tongs 
brought from Connecticut in 1767 : bed-quilt made in 1806. Mrs 
|. B. McCreary. jr. : Cap-basket, 125 : Soup tureen, 102. Mrs. J. 
H. Van Loan : Mirror, 117 : mirror, 100 : book, 117. Mrs. Esther 
Rice: 1 pair linen sheets. 90. Mrs. Samuel Hall: Clothes brush, 
100: wine glass, 70 ; decanter, 100. Mrs. John Maynard : Chair, 
120. Mrs. S. D. Ross: Clock, 8c; table-cloth, 142; set silver 
qjoons, 80 ; sampler, date 1816 ; satchel, very old. Miss Emma 
Howell: Book. 124; 2 pieces calico. 100: cup, saucer, and plate, 
70; baby-waists brought from Wales. N. T. Mitchell: Ax. 125; 
Indian spear-head and other Indian curiosities found fifty years ago 
in a well near the historical " block-house " in Wayne County. Rev. 
[. B. McCreary: books, dated 1737, 1738, 1727, 1730; a travel- 
ing trunk, 80 years old. This trunk was carried over three thou- 
sand miles by Mr. McCreary. on horseback, while doing missionary 
work in the early years of his ministry. Mr. J. B Johnston : Certi- 
ficate of membership in the New York Marine Society, 1771 ; a lig- 
humvitae mortar, 100; a crane, 92 ; a 2-pound note, April 25, 1776. 
Mrs. S. B. Chase: Summons issued 1753, under the reign of King 
George the Second to the sheriff of Caroline. Virginia, 134: an 
old English school-book, too; chair, 150; foot-stove, warming-pan, 
table, and tureen. Mrs. Chas. Simpson : Old bonnet ; picture. 

HERRICK. 

Mrs. Sarah Dart: 1 linen table-cloth, 100. Mrs. E. R. Barnes: 
Bible, 1 791. Margaret Geddings : Linen pillow -cases. 100 ; photo- 
graphs. W.A.Lyon: Copper penny, 1 286 ; map of Europe, 100. 
Wm. Thomas: Medical book, by John Wesley. Mrs. Washington 
Barnes : Masonic apron, 70. 



58 

HARFORD. 

Miss Surah Adams : Bonnet, 130 ; dress. 130 ; handkerchief, 100 : 
apron. 100 ; gold beads. 100. Mrs. M. I. Jones : Hammer, 100 ; 
shawl, 80; chair. 100: surveyor's map, 1814. Mrs. Polly Guile : 
Lamp, 75 : profiles, 100 : wooden salt-cellar, over 100 : cloak, So ; 
china tea-pot, sugar-bowl, and cream-pitcher, 100; bonnet, 80; 
pewter porringer, nearly 100. Mrs. Dr. Blakeslee : Dresswaist, 150. 
Miss Sarah Jones : Silver teaspoons, over 100. Miss Nancy Streeter: 
Warming-pan, 150; bedstead, 100 ; hood, 80 ; coverlid, 100; brass 
candlestick, 100; dress-cap: table, 100. G. L. Payne: Waffle- 
irons, joo; Pewter tea-pot, 100 : cream-pitcher; seal of Susquehanna 
County, 1814; bill of 15 shillings, 1776 ; pistol, revolver, and shell. 
Mrs. M. Oakley; Drinking cup, 100 ; pewter plates, 100; cannon 
ball ; Bible, 100. Dr. A. T. Brundage : Earthen platter used in j 776 ; 
gold quartz, tomahawk, boarding-hatchet, piece of Atlantic cable. 
Harford Agricultural Society: Fork, 100: flax-wheel, 11 1 ; toaster. 
100: iron tea-kettle, 100 : broiling-iron. 100; hatchel, 100; horn. 
100; cooper-shave, 100; lantern, 200: crane, 100; gridiron, 100: 
grain-cradle, 100 : wooden corn-plow, 100 ; paring-machine, 100; 
bear-trap, 100 ; melodeon, 100; grain-fan, 100 ; scythe-swath, 100; 
pod-auger, 100; spice-mortar, 100: Mrs. John Leslie : Sword. 200; 
teapot, 150: brass andirons, 100: brass-handled tongs, 100: samples- 
worked, 1830. Miss Cynthia Sophia : China sugar bowl, 100 ; china 
cream pitcher, 100; china plate, 100: sampler; cap worn by Dr. 
Mercy Tyler ; collar worn by Dr. Mercy Tyler. Prof. W. L. Thacher : 
Latin Bible, published in 1621 ; book, published in 1750: Pike"s 
arithmetic, first in America ; book, 100. Mrs. Tyler Brewster : Shoe- 
hammer, too; gallon bottle, 100; pincers, 100. Miss Titus: 
Musket, 100: linen breeches, 75. Mrs. J. C. Tanner: Bed-quilt, 
65. Mrs. Mary A. Crandall : Turnkeys, brought to this country in 
1762. Miss Mary Tanner: Silver tablespoon, 100; tea-pot, 70. 
1). F. Farrar : Hand reel, joo; wooden candlestick, over 100: 
warming-pan, nearly 100. Miss Clara Tiffany : Foot-stool, 75. 
Miss Laura L. Crandall: Scalping-knife and sheath. Mr. \V. 
letters : Coat, 100 : glass tankard, spice mortar, 100; brass snuffers: 
and tray, first newspaper printed in Susquehanna County. George 
Peck: Sword. 100. L. M. Farrar: Clock, nearly 200. 1). L. 
Hine : Pewter mug and cup, 100 : pewter plates, over 100 ; powder 
horn, 100 : canteen, 100. E. R. Flint : Wedding vest, 200 ; buzz- 
saw. 

H< )PB( )TTOM. 

Mrs. Hannah Miles: Linen towel, 100: pair scissors. 100: shoe 
buckles. 100. Mis. Ceo. Miles: Spelling book, date. 1782; tin 
bake oven ; spinning wheel. Mrs. Eliza Case: Spelling book, date 
1S04. Harry Tanner : Pair sleeve buttons, 100 ; one-dollar bill and 



59 

cent, in. John Blowers: Inkstand. 91 . Mrs. Hawley : Pic1 
lire, 1830. Mrs. Martha Bell: Needle book, 110. Mrs. Gavitt : 
Pewter plate and saltcellar. 100. Mrs. David VVilmarth : Pewter 
basin, 73 ; baby dress. 75 ; mortar and pestle, 100. Mrs. Polly 
Williams: Pair bellows, over 100 years old. Mr. Lewis: Camp 
dish, date 171 2. S. A. Kellum: Iron kettle, 100. Mrs. Sterling: 
Kettle, 69. Mrs. Olivia Carpenter : Work pocket. Mrs. E. A. Whit- 
ing : (dock, 121. 

JACKSON. 

Mrs. O. H. Perry: Bible, 94: pr. tongs, 120. Nelson French : 
Pewter basin, 100 ; Bible, 125 ; cartridgedx>x, relic of Revolutionary 
war. Mrs. N. S. Guild: Pair gloves, 100; pewter platter, 105; 
tea-pot, 120; pewter basin, 200; bead-work pocket. Mrs. Hosea 
Barrett: Glass tumbler, 1772. Mrs. Harvey Brown : Side saddle, 
1780 ; scarf, 125. Calvin Barrett : Cane, 1804. Mrs. Pattie Wilcox : 
Pewter platter, 220. Isaac Hill : Bear-trap, 97; pair brass candle- 
sticks, 80 ; piece calico, cost Si per yard, 100 ; pair snow-shoes. 
Stanley Barrett: Rolling-pin, 1767. Mrs. A. W. Barrett : Skein 
linen thread, 90. D. L. Gregory: Whisky flask, 118. Hugh Rob- 
erts: Powder-horn, 129. Wm. Barnes: Pitcher, over 100. Omar 
Olin : Brace and bit, very old; potatoes. Jotham Pickering: 
Hatchel, 150; pitchfork, 1823. D. A. Lamb: Shoe-last, 73; hat. 
Leander Griffis : Neck-yoke, 100. Mrs Roena Lindsley : Waffle 
iron. 100. Mrs. M. Hall: Blanket, relic of the Revolution. A. B. 
Larabee : Indian pot, plowed up in 1867 ; portrait of Major Lamb. 
one of the first settlers of Jackson 

LENOX. 

Mrs. Marilla Conrad : 4 silver teaspoons, 100 : 1 snuff-box, prop- 
erty of her grandmother : 1 Indian pestle and mortar ; photo, of her 
grandfather, Artemas Woodward (early settler). Mrs. John Hall- 
stead ; 1 pr. beaded bracelets worn 60 years ago ; 1 physician's lance, 
100. Mrs. Theodore Fuller : Old bonnet worn probably 75 years 
ago, owned by Susan Taylor, who died in 1881, at the age of 102 
years. 

LITTLE MEADOWS. 

Silas Beardslee : 3 pewter plates made in the year 1748 and were 
sunk in a well for safety from the British at the burning of Danbury, 
Conn., in 1777. Verna I. Beardslee: Children's set of dishes, 
among the first earthenware made in America and handed down to 
the sixth generation. Homer H. Tread well : Cane, brought from 
England in 1690 : wedding stockings of Samuel Treadwell's father, 
worn in year 1808. E. B. Beardslee :' Comb-case, copper, engraved 
with initials "1. P." on one side and 1776 on the other: said to 



6o 

have been Israel Putnam's and in his pocket when he rode down the 
stone steps at the time of the Revolution. Mrs. E. B. Beards lee : 

Tea set of lustreware. So. 

LIBERTY. 

Mrs. L. W.Allen: Child's bonnet. 150; knitting sheath, 150; 
earthen pepper-box, 100; bread-plate, 100; handkerchief made from 
flax, 100 ; tablespoons and teaspoons made from coin in 1820 ; light- 
stand, brass candlesticks, and spectacle-case. Jacob Chalker : Pow- 
der-horn, 140 ; earthen tea-pot, cane made from piece of wreck of flag 
ship Lawrence. Joseph Chalker : Fox trap, 1*00. Mrs. J. Davis: 
Silver tea-spoons, 100. Mr. Hiram English : brass button-molds once 
owned by Lieutenant John English of" the Continental army. Mrs. 
Win. Fish: Mortar and pestle made in this county in 1806. Mrs. 
Mary Gunsalus : Pillow lace, bobbins, patterns, and specimens, of 
lace, too. H. F. Adams: Chair and cow-bell, each roo. Miss 
Abbie Adams. Piece of a wedding dress, 150 ; piece of a red coat 
worn by a British officer ; silver dollar, 1792' David Bartle : Chair 
and pewter plate ; were in the Wyoming Valley and carried away just 
I >efore the massacre. William Bartle : Large knife made from a swore 1 
used in the Revolutionary war. Mrs. Sarah Berg : Cloak, style of 
70 years ago ; sugar bowl, 100. Mrs. Flora Bailey: Gold ear-rings, 
now owned in fourth generation. Mrs. L. W. Allen : Bellows, book, 
trunk, and tobacco box. K. M. Casswell : Flat-iron, brought to 
Susquehanna County in 1S10. V. P. Gunsalus: Bible. 175; Henry 
Howard: Hayfork, wedding present to O. L. Howard in 1826; 
garden hoe, 100. Mrs. Delilah Howard: Pewter platter. Mrs. 
Irene Heald : Pocket-book and and one dollar bill, presented to 
Simeon Gould by George Washington during the Revolutionary war. 
Mrs. R. B Howard: Teapot. 100. Mrs. Irving Ireland: Book, 
120. Mr. Fred Kaufman: Iron wrench from Germany, 100. Mr. 
Peleg Martin: Iron tea-kettle, 100. Mrs. G. W. Robinson: Cake- 
dish and knitting-needle case, each 100. Mrs. Fred Stanford: Pin- 
cushion, 150; tea-cup, 100; saucer, used in 1773. Earthen sugar- 
bowl and cream pitcher, old; lady's pocket, 100: tailor's goose ; 
foot-stove : iron bake-kettle ; specimen of millstone of the first grist 
mill built in Susquehanna County; embroidered handkerchief, made 
by Mrs. Isaac Comstock when 75 years old, with !loss which she 
spun from flax : " canteen " picked up on the battle-field after the 
British were repulsed at Fake Champlain in 1X14. Henry Slade: 
Pocket compass and sun-dial used by a British officer in the Revolu- 
tionary war. Mr. J. J. Tingley : Wagon-chair. 200: silver watch ; 
side-saddle; book. 150: bread-root, used by Indians for making 
bread. Mr. \. f. Travis: Cane, 100: bullet-pouch and powder- 
horn. 



6 1 

LIBERT\ TOWNSHIP. 

Mr. William Wilbur: French army musket : pewter mug. Mrs. 
Joanna Wilbur: Warming-pan, 100: childs' shoes. A. L. South- 
worth : A fine collection of Indian curiosities from California and 
Mexico. Miss Gertrude R. Hance, missionary : An interesting col- 
lection of curiosities from South Africa. Mrs. Elizabeth Harris : 
Lustreware ; tea-pot ; sugar-bowl : decanter, date, 1824. Mrs. N. 
B. Holmes: Pewter platter, 100. Mr. Fred Stanford: Knife: 
sickle ; post-ax ; bush-hook ; all ancient relics. Mrs. E. S. Kenyon: 
Embroidery and tea-cup 144 years old : linen bed-spread spun ami 
woven in 1789 ; 5 silver teaspoons 144 years old. Mrs. Rufus Fish : 
Stone jar 100 years old ; stone jug 100 years old ; pewter ladle 100 
years old ; snuff-box. silver thimble, cuff-buttons, probably over 100 
years old, and glass butter-dish. Robert Caswell : Trammed, 100 
years old ; anvil used for making nails : linen wheel, all over 100 
years old. Mrs. W. G. Small : Dress, 100 years old. Airs. E. Gage : 
Wooden bowl made from maple knot, 100 years old. Mrs. Joseph 
Webster: Snuff-box, probably over 100 years old. Mrs. Spencer 
Luce : Wooden knitting-needles, 70 years old. Mrs. L. L. Warner : 
Griddle, 150 years old. Rev. A. H. Fish : Book, Newton's Life, 
123 years old. Mrs. Dan'l North: Gridiron and toaster, 75 years 
old. Airs. Kirby Marsh : China platter, 85 years old ; pewter cup. 
100 years old. Airs. F. A. Marsh : Lantern, 90 years old. Abram 
Osterhout : Andirons, first owned by Captain Bowes, brother-in- 
law of Esquire Abraham Du Bois, used in the Du Bois family until 
they purchased a stove, when Esquire Du Bois gave them to Abram 
Osterhout, who has owned them since, more than 40 years. John 
Gathany : Hay-knife, over 100 years old. Mrs. Orrin Sackett : 
Wooden trencher, 100 years old ; linen wheel, used to spin with both 
hands, over 100 years old. Mrs. Ansel Gere: Silver spoon, 125 
years old ; sugar-bowl, 100 years old. Mrs. J. Marsh, linen table- 
cloth, very old ; tin bake-oven, very old. Orson Marsh : Pair of 
boots, made in 1840. Mrs. Henry Ladd : Broad-ax, very old. 
Mr. Jonathan Ross : Longs and shovel, very old. 

LANESBORo. 

Mrs. C. B. Taylor : Coffee-pot, tea saucer, cream pitcher, pair 
candlesticks, snuffers and tray, pewter platter, piece of pottery brought 
from Rome. Connie Barnes : Powder-horn. Pamalia Thomas ; 
Stand. Mrs. S. A. Lyons: Back comb. Airs. F. A. Lyons: 
Wooden bowl, carved from maple-wood knot. C. J. McKune : Two 
pewter platters ; date 1 778. N. R. Comfort : Pocket compass ; piece 
of chain, relic of Revolutionary war. Lottie McKune : Side-saddle. 

MONTROSE. 

Aliss E. C. Blackman: Chain, 100; pewter plate, 100. Mrs. 
George Lathrop : A linen apron, a kerchief and pocket, all woven 



62 

by her grandmother 100 years ago. Mr. E. H. Rogers: A Mohawk 

tomahawk: been in his family over 150 years Mrs. William Cox: 
Cup and saucer, belonged in Corwin family. Mrs. Hugh McCol- 
lum : Pewter platter, 200. Dr. Dimock : An old copper penny, 
date 1787 ; he has been offered $28 for same. Mrs. Theodore Smith : 
Small iron pot, 100. Mr. George Watrous : Desk, 100. J. S. Tar- 
bell : A Masonic apron, 200 : used at the laying of the corner-stone 
of buildings in Philadelphia and Boston ; pewter platter and plates, 
having been in the service of Napoleon Bonaparte's commis- 
sary, over 100. Mrs. Henry Cruser : A tea-pot and milk cup, 
over 100 years old, having belonged to Mr. Bela Jones's father; 
2 silver spoons, 125 ; treasure box given to Mrs. Betsey Way upon 
her sixteenth birthday, 100; candlesticks, 100. Samuel Rogers: 
Six teaspoons, made by the first Baptist minister of Montrose out of 
coin, 80. Mrs. Edwin Baldwin : Bellows used by Dr. Mason Denni- 
son's mother, 100 ; mortar and pestal used by Dr. Mason Dennison, 
90; portrait of Edwin Baldwin, taken when a young man; candle- 
sticks, knives and forks, over 100 years old : flag used during the 
Tyler campaign, bearing the face of the hero of Tippecanoe upon it. 
Mrs. Dr. Thayer: Piece of linen spun and woven by Colonel Chris- 
topher Gere's mother in 1800. Mrs. Sheroal : Plate, over 100 years 
old ; been in the Isbell family always : picture frame made from the 
wood of old Windsor Castle, 600 years old ; plate used by Mr. Bela 
Jones while a child, 100 : paraphernalia belonging to the first lodge 
of the order of Good Templars organized in the State : age not known. 
Mrs. Hannas: A Bible in two volumes, published in 1761 ; a silver 
snuff-box, 200 : two silver spoons, 100. Mr. Hudson Lathrop : Pep- 
per-box, 150. Mrs. J. S. Courtwright : Pair brass candle-sticks, 100; 
c hair, 1 25. Mrs. T. J. Davies : Brass ewer and tray, from Damascus, 
very old and rare. Mrs. I. N. Dullard : Pair silver candlesticks, 100. 
Mrs. Eliza Bullard : Looking-glass. 131; small iron tea-kettle, 130: 
sugar bowl, with log cabin on it, 80. Mrs. Bonhart : Bread tray, 90 ; 
picture of Mount Vernon, published in 1800. Mrs. Maria Moore: 
Plate, 200 ; sugar bowl, 80 ; wash bowl and pitcher, 75 ; brooch, 
bought in 1795. Mrs. Dora Lathrop : Stand, 100: three volumes 
encyclopedia, published 1704. G. F. Fordham : Piece of money, 
date 1774. Mrs. Gottlieb : Collection of old and rare money. Mr. 
Rasselas Searle : Two plates, two solid silver spoons, one large, owned 
by Bonaparte. Dr. C. C.Halsey: Franklin penny, date 1787 ; one- 
sixth dollar Continental currency, February 17, 1776; complete 
English Disputation, 1749. Mrs. Henry Ryley : Deer-skin coat, 
made by Indians; bought from them in 1815. Miss Nicols : Cane, 
100. Mrs. Margaret Cox: Bed spread, 100; table-cloth, 100. Mrs. 
Henry Warner: Spinning-wheel, 100: (hair, 100; table. Miss 
Fanny Lathrop : Swifts, a weaver's implement. Mrs, Safford : Brass 
andirons, gallon bottle, and newspapers, date 1813. William Boyd: 



63 

Pair brass < andlesticks : picture of first railroad car in United States: 
picture of Rev. H. A. Ryley; picture of Rev. A. L. L'ost : picture 
of Hon. William Jessup, sr. 

MIDDLET( IWN. 

Mrs. S. T. Morris : Bible, date 1613 ; old book, date 1651 ; satin 
embroidery; satin fan with gold spangles ; hand-made towel : stone 
pestle and wooden mortar ; mahogany rolling-pin ; (luster of barna- 
cles; primitive horn spoon ; bake iron or griddle ; eyeless fish. 

NEW MILFORD. 

Mrs. Charles Morse: Pewter platter, 150: comb and work bag. 
Mr. Henry Williams : Pocket-book. Mrs. Josephine Ayers : Tea- 
pot, 80. Clark Hendrick : Button-molds, 100. Horatio Garrett : 
Paper, Boston Gazette, date 1770; Utica Almanac. Dr. L. A. 
Smith: Bible, date 1769. Mrs. Elias Wellman : Two plates, 336 ; 
table-cloth, 100. H. W. Decker: Pitcher, hand-painted, 80. Mrs. 
Charles Mathews : Pewter plate, 130. Miss Francis Wilson : Jug. 
100 ; fork, bought in 1812. Mrs. Mary L. Branan : Brooch, 100 : 
teaspoon and mug, 100. Horace Summers: Book, medical work, 
date 1795 ; Indian pestle. David Wellman : Shell used for dinner- 
horn 100 years ago. Mrs. Doolittle : Piece of calico, 100. S. P. 
Smith: Revolutionary sword. Mrs. Lancaster Jennings: Flax- 
wheel, 100 : spider used during Revolutionary war. Herbert 
Blanding: Pipe, 150. Mrs. Eliza Van Fleet: Towel, 140. Mrs. 
Albert Wellman: Teapot. 75 or So. Mrs. Charles Tipton: Pearl 
fish, 142; Mrs. Chester Vail: Table-cloth. Mr. Amos Kent: Ta- 
blespoon, 60 ; teaspoon, 100. Jacob McLeod : Spinning-wheel, 
130; hunting-horn, 137. The owners of the following list not 
known: Table-cloth, stays, fan, sleeve buttons, bed-spread, pair 
pictures. Masonic pin, book, powder-horn, horn cup, tobacco pouch, 
pinking-iron, farm contract or deed, paper, tea-kettle, bonnet, napkin, 
chopping-knife, iron skillet, hatchet, chair, piano, pr. saddle-bags. 

RlMIVll.l.K. 

> Mrs. S. H. Can field : Linen towel, 120: pr. shears, 84, used be- 
fore the war of 181 2. Mrs. V. L. Atwater : Pewter plate, 118; 
mother's wedding belt, 55; lady's hat, 60; sugar bowl, 85. Cla- 
rissa Canfield : Pr. stockings, 80. W. H. Sherwood : Bread toaster, 
75. Jeremiah Canfield : Powder-horn, in. 

RUSH. 

Wm. B.Wilcox: Inkstand, 100. Isaiah Haire : Pestle found on 
Snyder farm, 181 2. Mrs. John Bradshaw : Spoon molds, 100. Mrs. 
George Harvey : Pair cotton cards, 120; Masonic apron, 100; lap- 
stone, found by Josiah Ellis on Eben Picket's farm in 181 7. Ed- 



6 4 

ward Stewart: An account book, 15. Jo Shadic : Silver six 
pense. Mrs. Nelson Turner: Sugar bowl, 150. Mrs. Jenniers: 
Posse-pot, over 100. Mrs. James Hillis : Silver dollar. Carrie Har- 
vey : Snuff-box, t 20 : sugar bowl, cream pitcher, cup, and saucer. 
125: set of teaspoons made of Thomas Nye's silver shoe-buckles. 
150. Mrs. Robert Reynolds: Pr. brass candlesticks. 100: pocket 
book, 123 : bamboo bottle, bought of a sailor and has been carried 
..round the world. 100. 

sUsot'KHANNA. 

Mrs. George Tiffany: A smelling bottle, 100: piece of ribbon. 
93 : piece of ribbon, 78 ; nutmeg grater, 100. George Lamb : Sun- 
dial. 100; sugar-mold. 100; book published in 1794; catechism. 
published in 1S18 : Testament, published in 1806. Philip Bradv : 
The Boston Gazette, published in 1770; book, published in London 
in 1684; song-book, published in London in 1760; song-book. 
Jackson's Songs and Lessons. 100. Mrs. John Cook : Copy of first 
newspaper published in America, containing pictures of the first lo- 
comotive in the world and the first steam railroad passenger train in 
America. Mrs. John Bradford : Linen table-cloth, 100. Mrs. 
Henderson: Pair of cards, 75; button, 65. Thomas Albee : 
bracelet, 60; coins, dated 1787-1793, 1803-1817. J. R. Grimes: 
Km king-chair made in 181 2 : a warrant for survey of land in 1788. 
Mrs. Joseph Galloway : Sugar bowl, 100. Mrs. B. McKune : Mor- 
tar and pestle, 120. Rev. O. Phelps: Bullet-mold, no. Mrs. 
George Frazier: Towel, 80. Mrs. John Buck: Bed-quilt, 200. 
Mrs. E. J. Mathews: Stand, roo. Mrs. S. S.Page: Bureau, about 
70. John Burrell : Steam fire engine given him by his father, James 
liurrell, who planned and built it in 1872. H. J. Persons: Indian 
arrow-head found on Person's farm in Oakland Township by the 
owner. I. W. Jones : French fowling-piece, owned by his grand 
father, a Revolutionary soldier. D. B. Fuller : A bowl of chestnut 
wood just as found, except that the bark had been removed. Mrs. 
H. T. Seymour: Pewter porringer brought to this country by her 
grandmother nearly 100 years ago. Mrs. Maggie Parliman : Scotch 
milk pitcher and water pitcher, 130. Washington Shaeff : Old 
money, being from no to 1 15 yearsold : pictures of the first, second, 
and third locomotives built in the United States for actual service on a 
railroad built in 1831. ('. A. Jurish : Silver knitting-work carrier, 
brought from Germany b\ his grandfather, 56 years ago. Mrs. 
Whitbrook: Silk shawl: punch ladle: teapot and egg-cup; these 
articles were all presented to the owner by Sir Walter Scott's family. 
Dr. H. A. Tingley : Case of stuffed birds and animals; 1 pair of 
steelyards, 150 years old; curiosity, natural growth of wood; $20 
bill, Confederate money; 2 letters written by the Doctor's mother 
at the age of 86 and 90 years old. H. L. French : Book on archi- 
tecture, given him by his grandfather, published in 1 797. 



THOMSON. 

Mrs. John Lamont : Table-cloth and towel, 90; pewter basin, 
100; snuff-box. 100; pair stockings, 96; pair ear-rings, 90; bowl 
and plate, 100. Mrs. Uemoree: China cup and saucer, 100. Mrs. 
Harriet Gelatt : Specimen needlework, in. E.A.Lamb: Medi- 
cal book, 95. Mrs. Charles Fletcher: Pair sleeve buttons, 125. 
Mrs. Ira Hine: Sea-shell, 100. Orvis Lewis: Singing book, ico. 
C.R.Jenkins: Historical dictionary, dated 1820. Ebenezer Mes- 
senger: Compass, 160; button-mold used before Revolutionary war. 
fane Lewis: Hymn book, 120. Mrs. James Leonard: Primer, 63. 
Mrs. Anna Cook: Painting, 50. Mrs. Pickering: Bonnet. Ed- 
ward Whitford : Bonnet, 60. Grandma Martin : Bonnet. Hetty 
Scott: Sugar-bowl, 120. Wealthy Wrighter : Teapot, 80. Mrs. 
M. A. Foster: Gravy boat, 70. 

During the afternoon the admission to the rink was free and until 
dark it was crowded with visitors. 

The evening was a dreary one. The mass of black clouds which 
came flying thicker and more threatening from the West finally burst 
in fury upon the town. The strong wind pelted away at the ban- 
quet tent until some of its stays were torn from their moorings, and 
a large force of men were set at work to prevent a complete wreck. 
The partial illumination of the town was extinguished by the storm, 
and residents and strangers retired early full of misgivings for the 
morrow. 

Fragments of the First Day. 

The Hallstead Band filled two vacancies from Binghamton. W. 
F. Hallstead, general superintendent of the D. L. & W. Railway, for 
whom the town of Hallstead was named, excused all of the band 
boys from railroad duties during the Centennial days. 

In closing his speech at the rink, the Hon. George A. Post said, 
" I hope that where there have been differences there will be har- 
mony," and Senator Lines, belonging to the opposite political party, 
stepped forward, and, taking the ex-Congressman at his word, shook 
him warmly by the hand. The act was applauded. 

The handsome furniture in the " modern sleeping apartment," at 
Relic Hall, was loaned by E. E. Tuttle, of Hallstead. 

In the record of the Presbyterian Church of Great Band (now 
Hallstead), which was on exhibition at the Relic Hall, appears the 
name of Ozias Strong, under the date of 1789. 
5 



66 

The well near the cabin is said to be the well dug by the Strongs. 

Pelatiah Strong, the son of Ozias, was drowned in the river where 
the bridge now crosses it. 

The well sweep and curb were built by Capt. R. C. Du Bois. 
The Montrose Republican, in its excellant and exhaustive report of 
the Centennial proceedings, said : 

With what industry and patience the various committees have 
labored to secure a grand result the sequel shows in a most gratifying 
manner. Though the people Montrose, as the county seat, would 
have rejoiced in having their place selected as the scene of the grand 
celebration, there was no hesitancy in according the distinction to 
Hallstead, the only place having claim to it, for there the first white 
settler in the primeval forests within the limits of the county, reared 
his humble abode and digged the first well, which remains until this 
day. 

The managing committee, after carefully estimating the cost of the 
execution of the programme as printed, found that there would be a 
deficit of several hundred dollars, so they sought refuge in the last re- 
sort that of charging ten cents admission to the rink to all those who 

were not contributors of money or relics. These were admitted free, 
but it was noticed that many of the contributors refused to take ad- 
vantage of this privilege and paid their way. The $504 received at 
the rink saved a deficit of $250. This proves the wisdom of the 
decision to charge an entrance fee. 

Miss fennie Barnes, now Mrs. Dell Stanford, had charge of the 
ticket office at the rink, and she was assisted by Hon. E. B. Beardslee 
at different times when the crush became too great. 

Mr. Morris, of Montrose, delighted the children with bis Shetland 
ponies in the ring just southeast of the grand stand. 

The famous display of relics made by Gibson attracted much at- 
tention. Those ladies who were entitled to the principal credit 
of securing this line exhibition were Mrs. ('. \V. Ressiguie, Mrs. 
W. \Y. Pope, Mrs. l.eroy Barnes, and Mrs. George B. Tiffany. 

The following is a Utter from Mrs. W. F. Hallstead acknowledg- 
ing receipt of a picture of the town of Hallstead, presented to her by 
the citizens of that place upon the occasion of the Centennial : 

Scranton, l'\., October 10, 1887. 
( !aptain Beardsley, 

Chairman Centennial Executive Committee, Hallstead, Pa. 

Dear Sir : Please convey to the citizens of your pretty and pros- 
perous village the heartfelt thanks of both Mr. Hallstead and myself 



for the honor they have conferred. We appreciate the lithograph 
very highly and will ever cherish it as a token of kind regards. 
Wishing your celebretion great success, 
I remain, respectfully, yours, 

Mrs. W. F. Hallstead. 

The following letter, addressed to J. Clark, jr., from the assist- 
ant general passenger agent of the Erie railway, explains itself : 

We will authorize agents at Carbondale and intermediate sta- 
tions to Susquehanna to sell on account of ioth to 12th, inclusive, 
round-trip tickets to Great Bend, good for return, until October 13, 
.at excursion rate of two cents per mile. 

We will also run a special train on October n-12 from Susque- 
hanna to Great Bend, to leave Susquehanna at 8 a. m. and 10 a. m. 

Returning, leave Great Bend at 6 and 9 p. m. 

George De Haven. 

The following is the letter from the general passenger agent of the 
I). L. and W. R. R. at New York : 

Capt. H. F. Beardslev, 

Chairman Centennial Executive Committee, Hallstead, Pa. 

Dear Sir : Replying to yours of October 4th on account of the 
one hundredth anniversary of the settlement of Susquehanna County, 
we will issue on October ioth to 13th, inclusive, round-trip tickets at 
rate of two cents per mile from Wilkes-Barre, Norwich, Homer, 
Elmira, and all intermediate stations. Tickets will be good for re- 
turn on or before October 14th. 
Yours, truly, 

W. F. Holwill. 



I 8 

CENTENNIAL TUESDAY. 



A stiff breeze was blowing from the north and low hanks of mis: 
covered the mountains as the morning salute told the dawning of the 
se< ond day of the celebration. Notwithstanding the cheerless weather 
the people commenced pouring into town at daybreak, so that when 
the Relic Hall was opened at 8 o'clock a. m. it was quickly crowded 
with visitors. It was soon found that, owing to the profuse decora- 
tion of the interior of the rink and the somber daylight without, 
it was impossible to see the splendid collections contained in the long 
(enter table. In this emergency E. E. Tuttle, L. B. Crook, and W. 
S. Barnes volunteered to place six sky lights in the roof, and soon a 
flood of light fell upon the (enter table, revealing the attractive 
wonders which it held. 

A few minutes before ten o'clock the Reception Committee, con- 
sisting of Hon. \V. H. Jessup, chairman, Hon. < ). A. Lines. Hon. J. 
H. Cook. Hon. E. H. True, Hon. William Maxey, William M. Post. 
Caylord Curtis, W. I). Lusk, and James P. Taylor, accompanied by 
the Hallstead Band, proceeded to the D. L. and W. station to receive 
Judge f. 1). McCollum, the orator of the day, and the Hon. Galusha 
A. Crow. These distinguished guests were escorted through almost 
continuous walls of emblems and evergreens to the Mitchell House, 
where they held a reception and kindly greeted hundreds of their fel- 
low-citizens. 

About eleven o'clock the sun struggled through the rifted clouds 
and brought hopes of clearing weather to those who were anxious for 
the complete success of the Centennial. The crowds continued to 
pour into the town, the sky slowly freed itself of its gloomy covering. 
the handsome decorations of the place added to the increasing 
brightness of the surroundings, and by noon all was gladness and good 
cheer. Early in the afternoon the handsomely uniformed Gibson 
band arrived and were soon followed by the well-known band from 
Springville, and ere long the village seemed filled with music. 

At two o'clock the Reception Committee, preceded by the Hall- 
stead Band, conducted Judge McCollum, Congressman Martin A. 
Foran, ex Speaker Crow, and a number of other distinguished guests 
to the grand stand, where the literary entertainment of the second 
day was to take place. The Hon. George A. Post, of Montrose, 



6 9 

presided. He read the following list of vice-presidents and re- 
quested these gentlemen to occupy seats on the grand stand : Hon. 
David Thomas, of Great Bend ; Hugh McCollum, Montrose ; S. H. 
Barnes, Lanesborough ; P. H. Tiffany, Brooklyn ; Edward Burke, 
Silver Lake : Lawrence Curley, Middletown ; George Harvey, 
Rush; Levi S. Page, Susquehanna; Peter ("lark, Choconut, and 
lames Foran, Friendsville. 

Among the prominent citizens of the county who were present 
were Wm. Maxey, E. H. True, Orrin A. Lines, Wm. M. Post, G. A. 
(Irow, M. J. Larabee, J. H. Cook, Gaylord Curtis, H. F. Beardsley, 
Rev. E. B. Olmstead, Father Dunn, Wm. H. Jessup, Eugene O'Neil, 
W. 1). Lusk, J. P. Taylor, M. H. Eisman. Dr. C. C. Halsey, Henry 
Burchard, Mrs. Daniel Searle, Mrs. J. B. McCollum, Miss Emily C. 
Blackmail, J. Clark, jr., and H. Benson, of the Susquehanna Tran- 
script; W. C. Cruser, of the Montrose Democrat; C. S. Vail and 
G. C. Howell, of the New Milford Advert 'ieer ; S. P. More, of the 
Great Bend Plain-dealer ; Tracy Sweet, of the Scranton Truth; Jas. 
R. Burnett, of the Scranton Republican . James Hireen, of the Bing- 
hamton Republican, and Mr. Cook, of the Philadelphia Press. 

After a selection was rendered by the Hallstead Band Rev. E. B. 
Olmstead opened the exercises with the following prayer : 

O Lord, how excellent is Thy name in all the earth ! Thou alone 
art God, full of glory and majesty, dwelling in light unapproachable. 
We realize that as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are Thy 
ways higher than our ways and Thy thoughts than our thoughts ; but 
we thank Thee that Thou hast made us reasoning beings, capable of 
comprehending something of this thought concerning humanity. 

We thank Thee for the generations of men who have come and 
gone and bequeathed to us such rich treasures of discovery, civiliza- 
tion, and culture. Our minds turn to-day to the hardy, self-sacrific- 
ing pioneers who pierced the virgin wilderness and awoke the echoes 
of industry and enterprise amid these sentinel hills. We are re- 
minded of their courage, their energy, their morality. May we be 
worthy descendants of such illustrious ancestors ! We thank Thee 
for our country, for her pleasant hills, just now adorned with the 
vellow glories of autumn ; for her fertile valleys: for her enterpris 
ing villages : for her quiet homes ; for her free schools ; for her open 
churches : and above all, for the noblemen of intellect and piety she 
has nourished. God bless Susquehanna County ! 

Bless the speakers of this day. Help them to bring to us some- 
thing that shall instruct and ennoble all who listen. 



Brothers and lathers and mothers — the old men ami women- — who 
have come to enjoy the festivities of this occasion. May their last 
days be their best days ! 

Let thy blessing rest on this celebration. May it not be charac- 
terized by drunkenness and debauchery, but by such acts as shall 
have the sanction of conscience, the approval of reason, and the 
■• \\ ell done" of God. 

Reminded as we are by these gray heads, by these falling leaves 
and the autumnal moans of the dying year, of life's beauty, help us 
all to give earnest heed to the salvation of our souls. 

Answer this our prayer for Christ's sake. Amen. 

Hon. George A. Post, president of the day, then addressed the 
great throng as follows : 

Fellow-citizens: Standing in this presence, 1 am obliged to con- 
fess that 1 was not born in Susquehanna County. But it was not my 
fault. For the accident of birth 1 am not responsible, and, besides. 
1 came here just as soon as I wanted a good place in which to begin 
the battle of life. I am therefore an adopted son, but 1 can truth- 
fully say that I have always been treated like one of the family. To- 
day in all that may be said in laudation of this grand old county, in 
all the emotions of pride that may stir the hearts of those to the 
manor born, 1 shall know no different feeling than the natives of the 
( ounty. In all that affects the material welfare of Susquehanna 
County I am deeply interested ; I have ever sought to identify myself 
with her people, and, by an extensive contact with them 1 have be- 
come thoroughly impregnated with the local pride with which they 
are imbued. As the naturalized citi/en of foreign birth becomes en- 
amored of our benign institutions, so that when danger menaces them 
he shoulders his musket and braves the horrors of war for their pro 
tection, and mingles his blood with that of the natives to show the 
strength of his devotion to the land of his adoption, so I, though but 
an adopted son of this county, rejoice in its history, take fraternal 
pleasure in the honors achieved by its sons and daughters, and in 
this Centennial jubilee join heart and soul, as we celebrate the 
work of the pioneers who blazed the way to the transformation of an 
area of dense forest into a county wherein upward of forty thousand 
people dwell in pleasant homes and pursue the myriad avocations 
incident to the civilization and advancement of the evening of the 
nineteenth century. Other counties there are in our Commonwealth 
greater in square miles of territory, more densely populated, more 
opulent, more fortunate in the geological formations underneath the 
surface of the soil, and more favored as natural or artificial centers 
of trade and manufactures, but I fearlessly assert that there is not one 
< ounty in all Pennsylvania whose citizens are more loyal, honest, and 
intelligent. Among the best and foremest citizens of many State- 



7* 

in the Union are found those whose first breath inhaled the pure air of 
»ur county, and who, wherever they are, have a warm place in their 
hearts for the clime of their kindred. 

The coming together at this time of our citizens from near and far 
to exchange neighborly greetings is fraught with great interest, 
and such an occasion must have a wide-reaching influence for good. 
As this beautiful borough is thronged with hundreds of our substan- 
tial yeomanry, and we note the high intellectual character of our 
people as stamped unmistakably upon their faces, we cannot but feel 
that old Susquehanna is indeed a good community to live in, and 
that peopled as it is by so sturdy and worthy a body of inhabitants 
it is no wonder that it has always ranked high in the estimation of its 
sister counties in the State. 

Brought together under the happy auspices of this Centennial cel- 
ebration, here in the vicinity where a century ago Ozias Strong 
made the first settlement, and where first the giants of the forests suc- 
cumbed to the settlers ax, in the territory now comprising our 
county, as our minds go back to the hardships, privations, loneliness, 
and dreary surroundings of those who established the sway of civili- 
zation here, let us draw a lesson and an inspiration from their trials 
and the vicissitudes of pioneer life, and if there be any who would 
repine because they are not as pleasantly situated as they desire, I 
would point to yon log cabin and ask, would you exchange places 
with those who a hundred years ago were dwellers in such rude struct- 
ures, and would you think it bearable to live as they, isolated from 
their fellows and exposed to innumerable dangers? 1 know your 
answer, and yet it is the sacrifices and irksome toil of those old set- 
tlers that we celebrate this day, and in memory of them we hold a 
carnival of good cheer, and from hill and dale we come with light 
hearts to begin a new century of human endeavor to this historic spot, 
now no longer a trackless, dreary waste, but the habitation of several 
hundred souls enjoying the blessings of cosy homes, good society, 
education, religious worship, and the beneficent government then but 
launched upon the sea of national existence, now the proudest nation 
on earth. 

Let us then be of good cheer, for ours is a goodly heritage. A 
health then to old Susquehanna. May her future years be crowded 
with the records of glorious prosperity, and may her sons and daught- 
ers ever be true men and women, steadfast in the right, scorning 
money, industrious and persevering, and as we now in grand diapason 
sound' the praise of those who have gone before us, so may our prog- 
eny lift their voices in our honor when comes another hundred years. 

At the conclusion of this speech, which was heartily applauded, 
the Hallstead Hand rendered another selection, when President Post 
introduced ]ud^e McCollum as one who was born and reared upon a 



7^ 

farm in this county, who had always resided within its confines and 
who had achieved the highest distinction within the gift of his fellow- 
citizens — the president-judgeship of his native county. Judge Mc- 
Collum was received with great enthusiasm by the multitude, who 
listened with marked attention to the following valuable and inter- 
esting historical address : 

A hundred years ago Ozias Strong, from Lee, Mass.. settled here. 
He was the first white inhabitant of the territory contained in this 
county. Around him was a wilderness occupied by wild beasts and 
traversed by Indians. On the banks of this beautiful river and in the 
shadow of these grand hills he built a log cabin and made a clearing. 
He was on a generous soil and in the midst of scenery attractive and 
inspiring, but without the advantages and protection afforded by 
civilized society. He was a pioneer in the work of subduing the 
forests and developing the resources of a new country. Of his life, 
his struggles, but his achievements here but little is now known. The 
public records inform us that in June, T790, he bought of Tench 
Francis, a tract of land lying on the north side of the river in the 
vicinity of the present bridge ; and he afterwards sold from it a farm 
to Johnathan Dimon, who settled here in 1 791. In 1795 he removed 
from this settlement to Homer, N. Y., where he died in 1807. 

In the same year that Ozias Strong bought of Francis a tract on the 
north side of the river Benajah Strong bought of the same landholder 
a tract on the south side of the river, containing 601 acres, lying on 
both sides of Salt Lick Creek. On the 21st of September, 1791, 
lSenajah Strong sold his tract to M. Du Bois and Seth Putman. A 
portion, at least, of the present borough of Hallstead is within the 
lines of this tract. Du Bois afterwards became the exclusive owner of 
it and resided upon it. At one time, and near this point, he kept a 
tavern, where the early settlers were entertained on their journeys to 
and from the wilderness south of us where they were then building 
their log huts and making their first earnings. A large share of this 
tract is now owned by and in possession of his descendants, who unite 
with us in the festivities of this day. 

In that portion of the Susquehanna Valley lying within our county 
and from which the townships of Great bend. Harmony, and Oak 
land were erected, there were, in 1787. evidences of the prior occu 
pation of it by the Indians. Near us were the " three apple trees" 
which formed the rallying point and headquarters of all the Indian-, 
in the neighborhood. As early as 1779 these trees bore the marks 
of great age. Near them, in the summer of that year, sixteen hun- 
dred soldiers of the Revolution encamped en route to join the army 
of General Sullivan at the mouth of the Chemung River, in his 
memorable campaign against the Indians, who, incited by British 




UIJUAoT^e 



agents and British gold, had united with the Tories in their murder- 
ous attacks upon the border settlements. These soldiers descended 
the Susquehanna upon rafts and landed here to pass the night. In 
the neighborhood of their camp was an Indian burying-ground. In 
the river not half a mile above us was an island which was a resort 
for Indian fishing and hunting parties. In Oakland, upon the West- 
fall farm, traces of an Indian village were found. 

While at the time of the settlement of this valley by the whites the 
Indians were not in the actual occupancy of it, they frequently passed 
along and across it in considerable numbers. 

In 1788 Daniel Buck and his sons, Ichabod and Benjamin, were 
settled on the north side of the river, about two miles above the 
present borough of Great Bend, at a point now known as Red Rock. 
It was stated in a newspaper article by the late Joseph Du Bois that 
" this romantic locality was known to the early settlers as the Painted 
Rock, from the fact that high up on the face of one of the cliffs, and 
far above the reach of man, was the painted figure of an Indian 
chief." J. B. Buck, in writing of the same locality, said that when 
his •• father came to Red Rock it was all wild. But on examination 
marks were found that could not be accounted for. The rocks upon 
the river were painted red, and on the island was found the founda- 
tion of a house." These statements by descendants of pioneers of 
this valley point to the presence and work of civilized man in it be- 
fore any known settlement of it. 

Moses Comstock was the first settler at the east bend of the Susque- 
hanna, near the pleasant village of Lanesborough, and it is believed 
that he was located there in November, 1787. He and his sons for 
a dozen years at least occupied and improved lands there which he 
was eventually compelled to relinquish on demand of the Pennsyl- 
vania claimant, as he had no title to the land which the Pennsylvania 
authorities recognized. There is little doubt from the evidence at- 
tainable on this subject that Ozias Strong and Moses Comstock. 
with their families, were the only white inhabitants of this valley in 
that year. Jonathan Bennett stopped in Oakland a short time be 
fore, locaiing in Great Bend in 1788, and afterwards sold an improve- 
ment there to Isaac Hale, who came there in 1 790 ; but whether he 
made the improvement before settling in Great Bend cannot be 
stated. In Miss Blackmail's history of the county four townships 
are designated as ''settled" in 1787. These are mentioned in the 
order of their settlement, and are Great Bend, Harmony, Oakland, 
and Brooklyn. It is stated, however, in the same history, that there 
was not a house in Oakland prior to 1 788, and that Jonathan Bennett 
arrived there that year. I cannot discover that Oakland had a white 
inhabitant in 1787, but as my researches on this subject have not 
been exhaustive the statement of the history referred to is not dis- 
puted. I merely say that I have not found the evidence on which it 
rests. 



The first settlement in Brooklyn was along the Hopbottom on lands: 
of John Nicholson. These lands, in 1787, Nicholson attempted to 
( olonize, and in five years he collected about forty Irish and German 
families from Philadelphia and '"down the Susquehanna," who were 
induced to move upon the lands by his promises of supplies and as- 
sistance. Adam Miller. Richard McNamara, and Robert Patterson 
were first settlers there. As Nicholson failed to redeem his promises 
many of these settlers became discouraged and abandoned the lands. 

In 17S7 not more than six white families were settled in the county, 
and the clearings of that year would not equal in extent the improved 
land upon an average " hundred-acre farm " of to-day. 

There were no settlements in the county prior to 1 789 except those 
in this valley and along the Hopbottom in Brooklyn. In that year 
settlements were made in New Milford and Herrick, and before 1800 
settlements were made in twenty-one of the twenty-seven townships 
in the county. Before the date last mentioned there were no settle- 
ments in the towships of Apolacon, Choconut, Silver Lake, Jackson, 
Ararat, and Thomson. These were settled in the order named, 
and the first settlement in Thomson was made in 1820. 

It would be interesting to note the growth of these settlements from 
the first dwellings made in them to well-regulated and prosperous 
communities in the enjoyment of the advantages and the security 
which the highest civilization affords ; and it would be pleasant and 
appropriate to this occasion to consider the part of each actor in their 
organization and development, and to award to each the tribute of 
respect and gratitude justly due. But a moment's reflection will con- 
vince any one that this cannot be done within the limits of an ad 
dress admissible to-day. It is not alone the (vw settlers here in 1787 
who are entitled to the rank and consideration of pioneers in the 
work of creating from a wilderness a grand county, now filled with 
happy homes, and in which we have a justifiable pride. It was 
thirty-three years from the first settlement in Great Bend Township 
to the first settlement in Thomson Township. It was nearly twenty- 
three years after the first clearing was made in this valley that the 
a< t creating our county was passed, and it was nearly twenty-five 
years before its organization was completed by the election of offi- 
< ers. All who participated in the work of felling the forests, clear- 
ing the lands, and planting civilization and local governments here 
were pioneers : and all who bore an honorable part in this work are 
entitled to high praise for the courage and endurance exhibited in 
wrestling with the perils and privations involved in it. 

In 1790 the territory, now constituting the county of Susquehanna. 

was embraced in the townships of Tioga and Wyalusing, Luzerne 

County. In 171)1 the court of Luzerne ordered the creation of the 

township of Willi ngborough from the northeast corner of Tioga. Its 

daries were defined in 1793. and these made the township 6 miles 



north and south by 15 miles east and west, and included the present 
townships of Great Bend, Harmony, and Oakland, with the boroughs 
created from them. In the same year [chabod Buck was appointed 
constable of the new township. Horatio Strong and Johnathan Ben- 
nett were appointed supervisors, and Ichabod Buck and Elisha Leon- 
ard were appointed overseers of the poor. These were the first offi- 
cers of the first township entirely within the lines of the county. It 
embraced all the settlements in the Susquehanna Valley. Its growth 
in wealth and population was not rapid. In 1800 it contained ninety 
taxables, and the amount of taxes levied that year were $810.58. In 
1S10 the total population of the valley settlements then contained in 
the townships of Great Bend and Harmony were four hundred and 
thirty-one. At that time Oakland was a part of Harmony, from 
which it was taken in 185^. 

The Harford settlement, or as it was known, " Nine Partners " 
settlement, was located in 1790, but the proprietors did not bring their 
families there until the spring of 1792. It was organized as a town- 
ship in 1808, and its population in 1810 was 477. 

When our county was created by legislative enactment it was 
embraced in ten townships of old Luzerne, and these were Willing- 
borough, Nicholson, Lawsville, Braintrim, Rush, Clifford, Bridge- 
water, New Milford, Harford, and Harmony. Of these Willingbor- 
ough, Harford, Harmony, New Milford, and Lawsville were entirely 
within the present boundaries of this county. The remaining town- 
ships were divided by the southern and western linesof the new county, 
and the census of 18 10 did not disclose the number of inhabi- 
tants then residing in that portion of them brought into the new 
county of Susquehanna. The population of the five townships men- 
tioned as within the lines of the county in 1810 was 1,255. Bridge- 
water then had a population of 1,418, and but a very few of those 
were in Luzerne County. It should be stated in this connection that 
at that time Bridgewater embraced, besides its present area, all of 
Brooklyn, Lathrop, Springville, Dimock, Silver Lake, and Montrose, 
the eastern parts of Jessup and Forest Lake, and the south part of 
Franklin. 

Clifford Township, as it existed in 1810, had a population of 675, 
but what proportion of this was south of the present county line is 
not known. New Milford in that year had 174 inhabitants, and 
Lawsville had 169. The exact population of our county at the time 
of its creation could not, for the reasons already stated, be ascer- 
tained. The first census, after its organization, was taken by Bela 
Jones, and showed a population of 9,958. While the act creating 
our county was passed February 21, 1810, its organization was not 
completed until 181 2. Its first officers were: Davis Dimock and 
William Thomson, associate judges; Edward Fuller, sheriff; Chas. 
Fraser, prothonotary, clerk of the courts and register and recorder; 



76 

Isaac Post, treasurer; Bartlett Hinds, Labon ('apron, and Isaac 
Brownson, commissioners; Jonah Brewster, commissioners' clerk, 
and Stephen Wilson, coroner. The county seat was located at Mont- 
rose in 1811 ; the corner-stone of the first court-house was laid in 
181 2, but the building was not erected until 1813. The first court 
was held January, 1813, in the ball-room of Isaac Post's tavern, John 
Bannister Gibson, afterward chief justice of Pennsylvania, and among 
the ablest jurists the country has produced, presiding with his asso- 
ciates, Dimock and Thomson. 

Win. Jessup was the first president judge of our courts who resided 
in the county, and Almon H. Read and Benjamin T. Case were the 
first practicing attorneys located here. 

The first constables of the different townships under the new county 
organization were qualified in open court April 26th, 1813. The 
first assessment of taxes by the new county was for 18 13, and the 
amount of the duplicates issued to the collectors was $3,154. 

Philander Stephens was the first Representative in Congress from 
this county, Charles Fraser the first State senator and Jabez Hyde, 
jr., the first representative in the lower house of the State legislature. 

In 1874 our county became a separate judicial district, and at the 
expiration of the terms of the then incumbents the office of associate 
judge ceased to exist in it. Before that period we were connected 
with neighboring counties in a judicial district. In the seventy-five 
years of our complete county life the office of president judge of our 
courts has been filled by citizens of our own country a little more 
than thirty-two years. 

We have always been connected with neighboring counties in Con- 
gressional and senatorial districts, and sometimes in legislative dis- 
tricts. We have been represented in Congress by our own citizens 
twenty-two years, in the State senate twenty six years, and in the 
house of representatives at Harrisburg seventy-one years. The 
second Speaker of the American Congress from Pennsylvania was a 
citizen of Susquehanna County. It is gratifying to know that the 
record made by these Representatives of the people in the legislative 
bodies of the State and nation is a clean and creditable one. It is a 
record of fidelity to public trust and ability, in the execution of it in 
which the county has pride and satisfaction to-day. 

for the few facts and dates now presented concerning the first set 
tlements in and the organization of our county 1 am mainly in- 
debted to Miss Blackman's history, and to it and the Centennial his- 
tory now. or soon to be, published by R. T. Peck & Co., reference 
must be had for detailed information respecting the growth and 
progress of the county, the individual actors in the work of settling 
and developing it, the privations endured and the obstacles overcome 
by them. These make a record of especial value to the descendant.-) 
■of the pioneers, and one that is full of entertainment and instruction 



77 

for all who have an interest in and desire to know the county history. 
One of the tendencies of this festival is to increase the interest in 
this subject and the disposition in us to preserve and transmit to the 
next generation a faithful record of the events, experiences, and 
methods of our own. It is well that this interest should be quickened 
and this disposition strengthened, for without these an intelligent 
and complete history of a people is impossible. 

As a class the early settlers of our county were brave men and 
women. They deliberately entered upon a work requiring, for its 
successful execution, courage, enterprise, and endurance; and these 
qualities they possessed in a high degree. Their purpose was to con- 
quer a wilderness, to clear the hill-sides and valleys of our rugged 
county and convert them into pleasant and productive grass and grain 
fields, and to build there comfortable homes for themselves and their 
posterity. It is not easy for us, in the full possession of the fruits of 
their labor and the conveniences and privileges enjoyed by populous- 
and prosperous communities in our day, to comprehend the nature 
and magnitude of their undertaking. Before them was a pathless, 
forest. Into it they resolutely entered with enough provisions for 
their immediate wants and a few household effects and rude imple- 
ments of husbandry, with perhaps a cow and yoke of oxen or pair of 
horses. These, with their robust manhood and womanhood and their 
unconquerable spirit, constituted the capital invested in the enterprise. 
They selected the land they proposed to occupy and improve, and 
upon it a site for a dwelling. Here they made the first clearing and 
from the trees felled to make it built a log cabin. 

It was a rude structure compared with the dwellings that adorn the 
hills and valleys of our county now, but it sheltered them from the 
storm and was their home, and soon there clustered about it the at- 
tachments and attractions that belong to no other place in this world. 

In 1787 there was one such cabin at this point, another near 
Lanesborough, and two or three along the Hopbottom in Brooklyn, 
and these were the only human habitations then existing in this 
county. Then communication between the inhabitants along the 
Hopbottom and the settlers in this valley involved a tedious journey 
on foot. There was an isolation in the life they led that the sons and 
daughters of this day could hardly bear. It alone was enough to ap- 
pal the stoutest heart, but it developed in those who were compelled 
to endure it a self-reliance and sturdy independence and strength of 
character essential to the success of a great undertaking. They had 
neither time nor disposition to indulge in useless murmurings and 
vain regrets or to contrast their condition with that of the inhabi- 
tants of the older communities. The situation exacted unremitting 
toil to supply their immediate wants, to make comfortable homes and 
provide a competence for their declining years. To accomplish these 
objects it was necessary for them to exercise good judgment and prac- 



73 

tice strict economy in their expenditures and in the care, preserva- 
tion, and use of trie products of their labor. 

The utmost exertion on their pari was necessary to provide the 
hare necessaries of life, and their food and clothing was often of the 
coarsest kind. If they raised grain sufficient to feed their families 
they had no conveniences for preparing it for use, as there were no 
grist mills within the county or their reach. It is related of Ichabod 
Buck, by his son, J. B. Buck, that for five years after his arrival at 
Red Rock he had to pound the grain in a mortar to make flour and 
bread. Many cases of the same or a similar character might be cited 
illustrating the necessities and expedients of the early settlers in their 
struggle for subsistence. But the record proves that amid all these 
privations and hardships their faith in ultimatesuccess did not waver. 
They believed that upon these hills and in these valleys patient and 
intelligent labor would finally have its reward in substantial homes 
and comforts for an honest and independent yeomanry. 

This belief had full vindication in their achievements here. Those 
who were industrious and economical and did not meet with disas- 
trous reverses possessed in their declining years productive and well- 
stocked farms, with comfortable buildings upon them, and the neces- 
sary implements of husbandry to properly work them. Upon these 
farms they had raised large families, and to their sons and daughters 
they had given such an education, or at least the rudiments of it, as 
the district schools afforded. This was the average outcome of the 
life of the early settler here. Some fell short of this and others e\ 
< ceded it. But the average result was triumph enough, and could 
only have been achieved by qualities and spirit worthy of high com- 
mendation and lasting honor. The results mentioned, however, were 
not all that was achieved. They built roads and bridges, school 
houses, and churches, and maintained them ; and in all that pertains 
to citizenship in a free country acquitted themselves manfully. 

A reference to the record of the county and to its present condi- 
tion, resources, and prospects will not be deemed out of place here. 
In church and temperance work and in all charitable enterprises it 
holds and has long enjoyed high rank. When the financial ability 
of its people is considered it is second to none in public spirit and 
in disposition and in effort to promote the public welfare. 

It was fore-most in the work of establishing a common-school sys- 
tem. i83o"Almon H. Bead, then a representative from this county. 
presented memorials from its citizens praying for a general system of 
education : and in 1835, when a member of the State senate, he re- 
ported a bill having the general features and simply fiing the details 
of the school law of the previous session, which was thought to re- 
move all fair objections to a system of general education. 

As early as 1816 an act was passed establishing an academy at 
Montrose, and the Legislature appropriated $2,000 toward its erec- 



tion. This was maintained with varying success until 1857, when it 
was superseded by a normal school under the direction of John F. 
Stoddard, which in turn was in 1863 superseded by a graded school, 
which is still maintained in the building erected for an academy. 

A classical school was established at Harford in 181 7, by Rev. 
Lyman Richardson, which in 1830 became Franklin Academy, and 
later Harford University. The founder of this school was a distin- 
guished educator, and is held in grateful remembrance by all who 
enjoyed the privilege of receiving guidance and instruction from him. 
The institution with which he was connected for nearly forty years 
exerted a healthy and beneficial influence upon this and neighboring 
counties. Other academies have existed in the county and conferred 
benefits upon it and its people, but their influence was more restricted 
and local in character than that of the Montrose or Harford institu- 
tions referred to. 

In 1886 this county maintained 315 schools, at an expense of $79,- 
^•79.52; of this sum $60,331.61 was raised by direct taxation. In 
these schools that year 9,446 scholars were taught and 467 teachers 
were employed. The average number of scholars attending school 
was 6,710. The average time that the schools were kept open was 
6 1^ months; the shortest time in any school district was five months 
and the longest time nine months. Of the teachers employed in 
these schools in were males and 356 were females. The average- 
wages paid to male teat hers was $34.84 per month : to female teach- 
ers $19.37. 

These are dry statistics, and to s jme, perhaps, uninteresting. But 
they clearly exhibit what the count}- is doing in the important work 
of educating its children. While this is a record and exhibit that 
admits of improvement, it evidences on the part of our people a dis- 
position to honestly maintain our excellent common-school system, 
which affords to all free opportunity to acquire an education that 
will properly fit them for the ordinary business and pursuits of life. 
As a rule it "seems to the wish and purpose of our people to afford to 
their children the best opportunities which their means will allow 
for a thorough education. 
We are a reading people. 

Within our borders are published seven weekly newspapers and one 
daily; and these are well sustained. They are conducted with dw 
.spirit and enterprise, and are in no respect sensational : and they give 
no evidence of a disposition on the part of the publishers to pander 
to a depraved taste. Their influence is beneficial and adds much to 
the general intelligence of our people. The properly conducted 
newspaper is an educator, and, co-operating with our public schools, 
elevates the moral and intellectual standard of the community in 
which it circulates. As a result of the agencies for general education 
already referred to, the average intelligence of our county will com- 
pare favorably with that of any other in the State. 



So 

Prior to the war for the Union our people had little experience in 
military affairs. 

Among the early settlers of our county there were one hundred and 
f>irty soldiers of the Revolution, two of whom, John Adams and 
Thomas Williams, lived to be 104 years old. Twenty-six residents of 
the county participated in the war of 1X12. 

At an early day military organizations were formed here, and 
the first militia training was at Thomas Parke's, in Dimock. At one 
time the taste for military display and exercise was well developed here : 
and it is within my own recollection that the annual muster, drill, and 
paradeof themilitia organizations was the greatest attraction presented 
to our people. But long before the war of 1861 our militia system fell 
into disrepute, and it was impossible to maintain here a respectable 
and efficient organization under it. When the country was startled 
by the assault upon Fort Sumpter our citizens were without militan 
experience, training, or organization. But with an alacrity and a 
patriotic enthusiasm and determination that reflected lasting honor 
upon them and their county they sprang to arms in defense of law 
and liberty. From the farms and the workshops, from all profes- 
sions, trades, and spheres of labor they came, undisciplined but 
dauntless, to maintain the free institutions of their country. More 
than three thousand gallant sons of the county entered the militarx 
and naval service of the Republic during the terrible struggle that 
followed. 

In all the principal battles of the war Susquehanna's sons were found 
and always in the line of their duty. The undisciplined men of '6r 
soon became sturdy veterans, unsurpassed in intelligence, devotion. 
and courage by any soldiers the world has produced. It was not the 
fortune of our sons to reach exalted commands or to attain high rank. 
They were content to discharge their duty as patriots in any sphere 
or field to which the fate of war assigned them. Many were slain in 
battle; others died in Southern prisons; many returned to us with 
honorable scars, or wasted by disease, and broken in health by 
an arduous and exacting service; others passed through many fierv 
ordeals and returned unscathed, and all to take up the implements, 
of peace and sink the soldier in the citizen. They made a grand 
record ; the county is proud of it and will not forget the men who 
made it. 

It should not be forgotten that our citizen soldiers were sustained 
by a patriotic sentiment at home. The mothers and daughters of our 
county actively enlisted in the work of providing for the sick and 
wounded. Their labors in this direction were arduous and effective. 
A record of their work should be preserved and go down to succeed- 
ing generations with the record of the sen ices of the fathers and sons, 
on land and sea. in that memorable conflict. I cannot longer dwell 
on these themes, so dear to the patriotic heart and mind. What of 
the present as respects our material interests and industries? 



We have an area of 792 square miles and a population of over forty 
thousand. Wepossess an agricultural county, and farming is our prin- 
cipal industry. We had in 1880 invested in manufacturing $2,1 26,98 5, 
and paid for labor employed in it $309,163. 

The value of the materials used in it was S2.484.4S2. and the 
product was $3,569,791. In the same year we had invested in 
farms with live-stock and farming implements upon them about 
$16,000,000, and the farm productions were $2,388,126. In that 
year the assessed valuation of the taxable real and personal property 
in the county was $5,084,452. An inspection of the statistics relat- 
ing to agriculture in this county shows that grass is our most impor- 
tant crop, and that we excel most in cattle and the products of the 
dairy. No county in the State or the nation contains better pastures 
and water than ours, and better butter is not made anywhere. We 
are convenient to the rich coal fields of the Lackawanna and Wyom- 
ing Valleys, and the dense population of those regions makes a good 
market for the products of our farms. With our existing railroad 
facilities, our telegraphs and our telephones, communication with 
the country and cities about us is easy. Through the Susquehanna 
Valley, which contains nearly one-fourth of our population, the N. 
Y., L. E. & Western Railroad passes; through the eastern townships 
is the Jefferson road, affording to the people of that section easy ac- 
cess to the cities of Carbondale, Scranton, and Wiikes-Barre : a little 
east of the centre is the D., L. & W. R. R., furnishing to the inhabi- 
tants of the townships along and near it an outlet to the north and 
south and west ; and last and least is the narrow gauge railroad from 
Montrose to Tunkhannock, and there connecting with the Lehigh 
Valley system. This road is of value to the people living along it 
and at and near its northern terminus, as it gives to them increased 
facilities for marketing their products in the Wyoming Valley and 
for obtaining coal. It is probable that in the near future an effort 
will be made to extend the Bloomsburg and Sullivan road to Bing- 
hamton via the Wyalusing on the Meshoppen route. 

A few of the interesting facts and incidents in which the history 
of the county abounds have been gathered and presented for your 
consideration. A brief reference to the attitude of the county in the 
past on questions of vital interest to society and to the State and 
upon issues involving the national life has been made. This retro- 
spect affords abundant cause for pride in our ancestors and their 
work, and for loyal devotion to their memories and the faith that 
animated and sustained them. The present condition and resources 
of the county justify high hopes for its future in material wealth and 
prosperity, while the character and aspirations of our people produce 
the conviction that in the fields of moral and intellectual culture its 
path is onward and upward. May these hopes be justified and this 
conviction be fortified and sustained by the results and the progress 
of the next hundred vears. 



82 

This address will ever be a valuable document to the student of 
our county's history. 

After the applause, which greeted Judge McCollum at the close of 
Ids address, had subsided President Post introduced Maurice B. 
Moore, who, with but a few moment's notice, read, in a graceful and 
effective manner the following Centennial poem. 
A Hundred Years. — By " Edith May" Miss Annie Drinker. 

The writer is a great grandaughter of Henry Drinker (the elder), 
founder of the Drinker estate ; 500,000 acres in Susquehanna and 
neighboring counties, and to whom reference is made in the poem : 

Pine, hemlock, beech, stout arms embraced, 

Close fronted, as to meet a foe, 
Spread, right and left, a billowy waste, 

'Tis just one hundred years ago. 

Come but the winter winds to smite 

With steely edge their columned pride ; 
No harvest marks the summer's flight. 

No dropping seed the gay springtide. 

How gay — with bird life all awake ! 

How still as a cathedral nave ! 
You hear the beast that seeks the lake, 

His lapping tongue that strikes the wave. 

Oh, virgin shade and virgin soil ; 

Oh, cloistered beauty kept for God ; 
Hearken! the heavy foot of toil 

Is on thy consecrated sod. 

And man the spoiler, man the lord, 

And man the priest unveils thy charms, 
'Tis spoken the creative word — 

(live fruitful breasts and clasping arms. 

The forest falls, the sunshine lifts 

Its banner from the rugged lulls 
Strong hands compel reluctant gilts, 

And smiling wealth the valley tills. 

I know the land, 1 know its reach 

Of waving hill-tops, to the blue 
Of distant mountains stretching back, 

Of pine and darksome hemlock too. 

I know its sunsets' purple flame, 

Its changeful moods, its bree/es free; 
1 know ! " Who shall divorce proclaim," 

Sweet Nature, " betwixt thee and me ? " 

[And one whose blood is in my heart, 

One who " a hundred years "' is dead, 
Who in those rude times had his part, 
Gives me, today, my daily bread. 



83 

Who cared for the unborn, who planned 

A future for the unknown heir; 
The wide primeval forest scanned 

And saw a wealthy future there] 

Bloom, pleasant no^ks, where I have lain, 

The noonday sunshine brooding still, 
And felt God come, in golden rain, 

To wed the mead, the vale, the hill! 

Toss, tree tops, in the mid-day heat; 

Thwart, dancing winds the sunbeams warm ; 
Laugh, waves, I've trod with naked feet, 

Hills I have climbed through calm and storm; 

Yet, where the wheat springs, comes the tare, 

Naught perfect here, naught wholly clean ; 
For " fair is foul, and foul is fair," 

And earth hangs heaven and hell between. 

Lord of the harvest, watch this field. 

Curse Thou the tare, bless thou the grain ; 
Bid it a tenfold measure yield 

When comes " a hundred years " again ! 
■Convalescent Retreat, Delaware Co., Pa., Aug., '87, 

The reading of the poem was followed by music : after which Presi - 
dent Post introduced the Hon. Martin A. Foran as a distinguished 
son of Susquehanna County who had won conspicuous honors abroad. 

A round of applause came from the great throng as Congressman 
Foran arose to address the people. 

Mr. Koran's Address. 

Mr. Chairman. Ladies, and Gentlemen : These grand old hills 
which environ this lovely village, although rugged and picturesque, 
yet are not indicative of a rich or productive soil ; the fierce and 
chilling winds which sweep to-day in damp, raw gusts through this 
valley sing not of a mild and balmy clime ; there are no odors of 
the tropics or spice lands ever wafted over what might be termed 
the foot-hills of the Alleghenies. yet 1 ran truly and honestly sav I 
am glad to be here, for 

This is my own, my native land. 

After the word " mother " the sweetest word in any tongue is 
" home." After years of contest in the world's great battle for ex- 
istence it is a consolation and a happiness to any man to find him- 
self again upon his native heath, surrounded by all the holy memo- 
ries and sweet recollections of his boyhood days. Friends and 
neighbors, I am indeed pleased to meet and to greet you here to-day, 
and to rejoice with you that the dreary wilderness of one hundred 
years ago is now the home of a contented, brave, and manly people. 



8 4 

When I received, over a month ago, the kind invitation of your 
worthy chairman to be present and make a " brief address " I was not 
informed upon what topic or subject I was to speak, and necessarily, 
therefore, the address will be brief and perhaps disjointed. Of 
course the very occasion is suggestive of pioneer courage, hardship. 
and triumph. But as this is a subject upon which volumes might be 
written, and as my time is limited to a few brief moments, 1 can 
only indulge in a few general observations suggested by the occasion. 
To do full justice to this subject would involve the consideration of 
many questions affecting, in great degree, the climatology, popula- 
tion, political science, and history of our country and her people. 
Human life is full of contrasts, which serve to clearly define, forcibly 
outline, and closely measure the mental vigor, intellectual develop- 
ment, and the material progress of the human race. One hundred 
years ago there lived upon this spot scarcely half a dozen human 
beings, who lived in almost primeval simplicity in a sharp, hard 
struggle for existence. The section of Pennsylvania now known as 
Susquehanna County was then an unbroken wilderness of sharp hills 
and deep valleys, which enveloped in grim and awful solitude the 
ghostly demon legends of the red man. But in one short century 
how great a change. Beautiful, well tilled farms appear and gladden 
the eve. Wherever you turn prosperous towns and villages, alive with 
the music and hum of industry, greet you on every side. The 
camping grounds of savage tribes are now the sites of healthy. 
. iL;<>rous young towns ; the forest path, outlined by blazed trees, has 
given way to turnpike and the mighty iron road ; the howl of the 
wild beast and the yell of the wild man are silent now ; but the re- 
sonant air is ladened with the music of industry, the hum of ma- 
chinery, the click of the telegraph, the cry of the newsboy, the 
orisons of the church and the pean of the school. The dumb soli- 
tudes have been made to speak, enslaved natural forces have been 
made free, and the dark pall of ignorance has been dissipated by the 
effulgent brightness of advancing civilization. The pioneers, the sen- 
tient shadows of coming events, the intrepid and valiant soldiers of 
human progress who, in the latter part of the last century came into 
the tangled, wild, and silent forests of this county, braved its hard- 
ships, endured its privations, and struggled with their hard environ- 
ment, while they removed the obstructions and prepared the way for 
the mighty army that followed, should certainly claim the full meas- 
ure of our admiration, if not our devotion. Who these people were, 
what was their history, their habits, and characteristics are questions 
J cannot stop to fully answer, though the theme is more than pleas- 
ing and instructive. The New Englander exemplifies in history the 
truth of the poet's line. 

< Mil moves in a mysterious way his wonders to perform. 



§5 

If the pilgrim fathers had ccme up the Mississippi or the Ohio 
and colonized the fertile valleys of that State or the rich prairies of 
Illinois their history at least would have to be rewritten in almost 
every detail. But these pioneers from the Old World landed upon a 
high, rock-bound coast and a barren, sterile land. The soil of New 
England was not productive, nor does its climate tend toward or 
conduce to effeminacy or enervation. The early settlers of New 
England wrenched from a stubborn and unyielding soil, in a rigor- 
ous climate, a mere subsistence. Habits of frugality, integrity, hon- 
esty, and economy became and were a necessity, while the soil and 
climate conditions produced a brawny, stalwart, hardy, vigorous 
race, whose religion was as stern, as cheerless, and unyielding as the 
face of the land upon which they lived. Under these conditions and 
in this environment the New Englander was born and raised. By 
birth, training, and education he was peculiarly fitted and adapted 
to pioneer life. Many of the first settlers— the oldest pioneers — 
were from Connecticut. These men were the descendants of a people 
who possessed in a greater degree the spirit of liberty and independ- 
ence than any of the other New England colonists. This was un- 
doubtedly the result of having been the first colonists who really lived 
independently of British domination. The first settlement of Con- 
necticut, though claimed by the Dutch at Hartford in 163 1, was in 
all probability made by pioneers from Massachusetts at Windsor in 
1633. These and subsequent settlers lived freely and wholly inde- 
pendent of the English Crown, in the heart of a bleak, barren wilder- 
ness for nearly thirty years, as the first charter was not granted until 
1 66 1. We are all familiar with the scene at Hartford in 1687, when 
the historic old oak tree became the receptacle of this charter. The 
people of Connecticut never lost this spirit of liberty. They were 
the first to declare for independence, and did more for the Revolu- 
tionary cause in proportion to population and resources than any cf 
the other colonies These were the men who, after the revolution, 
took up the march of civilization westward, plunged ahead of the 
army of progress through the trackless forest, the deep morass, the 
impenetrable swamp; onward, ever onward toward the setting sun 
•■ Where the star of the Empire takes its way," leaving everywhere 
they halted a lasting trace, the imperishable impress of a sterling and 
sturdy manhood. Their history is written with the mighty pen of human 
activity; written in a network of iron and steel bands which cobweb the 
land; written in giant industrial enterprises; written in millionsof teem- 
ing, productive farms; written in myriads of school houses and churches; 
written wherever activity, pluck, and energy are found upon this con- 
tinent; even in the unprogressive Republic of Mexico, and in the in- 
dustrially and commercially paralyzed dominions of Canada. This is 
the picture which stands clearly outlined and sharply contrasted with 
the scene presented in this valley one hundred years ago. The pict- 



S6 

ure of to-day is certainly more beautiful, more pleasing. But does it 
not present, also, striking contrasts? The early pioneers strove and 
endeavored to he strict followers of the great Galilean. The golden 
rule that "whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye 
also to them," was evidently more respected by the pioneers than it 
is by their descendants, for the contrasts between great wealth and 
abject poverty, between sordid pleasures and unholy joys and pain- 
ful sorrow and stinging misery, are to-day more marked than the 
contrast between this county in 1787 and 18S7. The old pioneers 
have left us a rich legacy of energy and activity, but their love of 
neighbor, their frugality and simplicity, though found in their last 
will and testament, have not remained cardinal virtues in their de- 
s endants. There is a sentiment abroad in the land to-day that was 
only slightly known in the long ago. This is the sentiment of gain — 
gain at the sacrifice of right and justice. This sentiment is con- 
\ ei ting our Republic into an oligarchy ; it is forcing from us the right 
of opinion, corrupting our political morality, numbing and deaden- 
ing our moral consciousness. In our mad race after material pros- 
perity we fOiget why we are here — what is the end and destiny of 
the human race. In the rush and scramble for dollars man and 
manhood are forgotten. We point with pride to our scientific, our 
social, and material progress. So did ancient India. Assyria, Egypt. 
Greece, and Rome, but the irony of contrast teaches us the folly of 
following the path that led to their ruin and degradation. The cul- 
tured Mohammedan Moor gloried in his treasures of art and science, 
but the lowdy Christian whom he despised, in the fullness of time, 
easily plucked those treasures of art and science from his enfeebled 
hand, enfeebled by the luxury and ease which always has and ever 
will sap and destroy the manhood and the liberty of any people 
among whom it effects a lodgment. Meetings of this character 
would be a mere idle waste of time and energy if they left no bene- 
ficial impress upon the minds of those who attend them. Why are 
we here? To revere the memory of the dead and do honor to the 
living pioneers as well as to commemorate the first settlement of our 
county. We can best serve that purpose by imitating their virtues 
and practicing the love of neighbor, love of country, love of patriot- 
ism, the frugality, the simplicity, the honesty, and integrity exempli- 
fied in their lives. If we do this we will do much to '* lift our be- 
loved America above the slough of mercenary politics and the cun- 
ning snares of trade steadily onward and upward toward the shining 
heights which the hopes of her natives foretold." 

I feel that I have already trenched upon the scope of a ''brief 
address," but I trust I will be pardoned a few observations upon that 
part of the county in which I was born and the race from which 1 
sprung. In several townships in the northeastern part of the county 
the people are almost exclusively Irish or of Irish origin. This peo- 



S7 

pie began to come into the county as early as [8.33. In a certain 
sense they were exiles. Driven from the land of their fathers by the 
great robber nation of the world, they were preceded and followed 
by merciless slander and misrepresentation, prompted by the brutal 
power which drove them from their native land. They encountered 
at first the prejudice which was the natural result of that slander and 
misrepresentation. But their honesty, rugged manhood, and moral 
lives ultimately won them the respect and esteem of the people among 
whom their lot was cast. 

Standing here to-day, 1 most emphatically declare that while I 
yield to no man a greater love and devotion to my country and her 
institutions, yet I am proud of the fact that I am the son of Irish 
parents. Why should we not be proud of our ancestry ? Ten of the 
signers of the Declaration of Independence were Irishmen. The 
protomartyr of the Revolution, the brave, gallant, Montgomery, who 
fell scaling the heights of Quebec, was an Irishman ; the father of 
the American Navy, old Commodore Barry, was an Irishman. So 
also were many of the officers of the Revolutionary army. Upon this 
very spot, here in this valley, one night over a hundred years ago, 
camped a part of General Sullivan's army, on its way to protect the 
settlers of the Wyoming Valley from the savage ferocity of the red 
devils, which the English Government had incited to deeds of butch- 
ery and rapine that has no parallel in barbaric history. In the Amer- 
ican army, Lord Mountjoy so declared in the British Parliament, the 
Celtic tongue was as common as the English. Coming down to the 
late war for the Union, Irish valor and patriotism shone conspicu- 
ously upon every battle-field. We point with pride to Corcoran, 
Meagher, Mulligan, Sheridan, and hosts of other brave and loyal 
Americans in whose veins coursed Irish blood. The impress of the 
Irish race is seen in every State and Territory over which floats our 
starry flag. But while we have a pardonable pride in our ancestry, we 
emphasize and accentuate upon all occasions and under all circum- 
stances that we are Americans to the core — Americans for all pur- 
poses and at all times. The American, no matter who may have 
been his ancestors, is fast becoming a distinct, well-defined type, pro- 
duced by a distinct, well-defined climatology. As Americans we may 
differ as to race extraction, we may differ in religion or in politics, 
but we can all unite upon the broad platform of American liberty. 
We can be all imbued with that true American sentiment that will 
ever be found in sympathy with the spirit of freedom everywhere. 
We can all feel our hearts thrill in unison when our eyes rest upon 
that banner — 

Forever float that standard sheet ; 

Where breathes the foe, but falls before us, 
With freedom's soil beneath our feet, 

And freedom's banner streaming o'er us ? 



88 

President Post thanked the audience for the quiet and good order 
maintained during the exercises, which were then closed with a bene- 
diction by Father Dunn, of Great Bend. 

From the conclusion of these ceremonies until the fireworks in the 
evening the vast crowds amused themselves at the Relic Hall, the 
log cabin. Morris's Shetland pony ring, the eating stands, the 
various booths, the dancing pavillion in the drove, and other places 
of entertainment. At the south end of the bridge the finish brothers 
of Brushville, had on exhibition the famous panther, measuring eight 
feet, which was killed near their farm some fifteen years ago, and a 
monstrous wild cat, the largest ever shot in the county. On the east 
side of the southern approach to the bridge was an uncouth looking 
showman, covered with crocodile teeth and ribbons, who had on ex- 
hibition in his decorated tent a huge live alligator. During the after- 
noon a man. who was pining for more excitement than he could find 
within reach, rushed up to a prominent citizen and said, •'! say, 
( ap'n, somethin' must be done to kick up more fun. Let's git up a 
light twixt the live alligator and dead panther." (rood nature and 
good cheer prevailed everywhere. 

As the shadows of night began to fall the Committee on Fireworks 
were seen making arrangements for the pyrotechnic display on the 
north bank of the river, about forty rods above the bridge, and the 
Committee on Decorations commenced to illuminate the town. 
Through the streets and across the arches burst long rows of Chinese 
lanterns into light, while on the river bank, stretching away for a long 
distance, were myriad flaming torches, and the windows of the town 
seemed ablaze. When darkness came the battery of artillery stationed 
near the banquet tent commenced booming, and now and then astray 
rocket would Hash across the heavens to assuage the impatience of the 
great mass of humanity that were waiting for the (losing scenes of 
the da\ . About half past seven an enormous rocket slipped its moor- 
ings on the river shore and. ascending to a great height, was beauti- 
fully reflected by the calm surface of the waters and fell to the oppo- 
site shore, forming an areola that was truly marvelous in effect. This 
was the opening of the grand display of fireworks, which lasted for 
over an hour and elicited shouts of delight from the thousands who 
crowded bridge, street, and banks of river; and when the last set 
piece was fired these crowds melted away as if bv magic, and at 



8 9 

1 1 o'clock all was quiet and peaceful and naught could be heard save 
the measured tread of the watchmen whose duty it was to see that 
* l all was well." 

Segments of the Second Day. 
It is estimated that nearly a thousand Binghamtonians visited Hall- 
stead. 

The equestrian attraction at the fair grounds failed to attract, 
The "1787" illumination at the base of Monotonome could be 
distinctly read two miles distant. It was composed of Chinese lan- 
terns so grouped on wires as to form " 1787." 

The Committee on Privileges had about ten offers from "game-of- 
chance" men; but refused them all. The nearest stand that resem- 
bled a game of chance was the < ' ring and cane ' ' man . Two of these 
were on the ground, but slipped away without paying for the privi- 
lege. The real " game-of-chance " men would probably have gone 
off with other men's property as well as with the privilege money. 

Dr. E. Gardner, of Clifford, traveled more miles than any other 
committeeman in order to attend the regular executive meetings. 
Such men helped to make the Centennial a brilliant success. 
« Mrs. Major Morris furnished the old griddle for the crane in the 
log cabin. 

The absence of drunkeness during the celebration was gratifying to 
all lovers of decent things. 

Almost every home in Hallstead was crowded with guests, and the 
hospitality of its inhabitants will now be proverbial. 

Montrose contributed $249 to the Centennial fund, besides paying 
over $100 for the services of Bauer's famous band. Added to this 
generosity the county seat favored the great parade with a galaxy of 
its brightest civic stars. 

Gibson furnished the largest collection of relics, and Harford came 
next on the list. 

W. T. Estabrooks and Henry Ackert, of Great Bend Boro, were 
among the most substantial helpers in the good cause. 

fudge R. W. Williams, of Tioga County, owing to court duties, 
( ould not attend the Centennial. 

Hon. Martin A. Foran left Tuesday evening for Cincinnati, Ohio. 
About five thousand people were provided with food at the Mitch- 
ell House. 



9° 

The quaint little office of C. M. Simmons, the Burgess of Hall- 
stead, next to the log cabin and rink, has more Centennial memories 
connected with it than any other building in the county. There the 
first and last Centennial meetings were held ; there the first dollar to 
the Centennial fund was subscribed, and there the last dollar of that 
fund was expended. 

W. N. Snyder paid the first subscription money to Assistant Treas 
urer Mason — a brand new ten-dollar bill. 

Master Mechanic Theodore Hays had the great engine house of 
the D.. L. <\: W. Railroad profusely decorated. 

The Medical Society of the county met at the Mitchell Hotise on 
Centennial Tuesday. 

A solid note from General Manager Hallstead: 

Scranton, Pa., October nth, 1887. 
Captain H. F. Beardsley. 

Dear Sir : I take it for granted there are some expenses con- 
nected with your Centennial celebration that must be paid. As busi- 
ness matters that cannot be deferred will prevent my being present 
to-morrow, I herewith inclose my check payable to your order for 
$50. 

Very truly, yours, W. V. HALLSTEAD. 



CENTENNIAL WEDNESDAY 



This was the Governor's Day, and the stirring and brilliant events 
which transpired from the first morning gun until the glorious vision 
of the burning mountain faded away will be on the lips of our 
children long after we have been gathered to the bosom of our fathers. 

As day broke upon the beautiful valley it found the town already 
crowded to what seemed its utmost capacity. And still the people 
came. Every avenue to the village was thronged with citizens of 
the county and strangers from beyond our borders. At nine o'clock 
the scene from "The Rocks" presented a wonderful spectacle. 
Within the limits of the borough every street seemed gorged with a 
mass of humanity. Along the highways leading into the town from 
Binghamton, Susquehanna, Franklin, and New Milford there was 
one continuous line of people on foot, on horseback, and in wagons 
as far as the human eye could reach. Every special and regular 
train which arrived was packed with visitors, and the streets con- 
necting with the railroad stations flowed deep with the race of man. 
The booming of cahons, the fluttering of over three thousand flags. 



9 1 

the waving sea of bunting and festoons, the constantly swelling tide 
of men, and the strains of pleasant music from a dozen bands made a 
pageant never to be forgotten. 

Shortly after nine o'clock a dispatch was received from W. F. 
Hallstead, the general superintendent of the D., L. & W. Rail- 
road that he would accompany Governor Beaver on his special car 
Comet, which would arrive at 9.15 sharp. Marshal H. C. Jessup 
with his aid, C. T. Watrous, and an escort of nuunted men, ac- 
companied by the members of the Reception Committee and the 
Hallstead Band, proceeded at once to the railway station, arriving 
just as the distinguished occupants of the "Comet," Governor 
Beaver, Mr. and Mrs. Hallstead, stepped upon the platform. After 
an enthusiastic reception the guests entered carriages, and amidst 
the melodies of music were conducted through the richly decorated 
streets to Hotel Mitchell. General Superintendent Hallstead hav- 
ing urgent business in Buffalo, remained in his carriage, and, ac- 
companied by President Lusk and the Hallstead Band, returned to 
the station. On the route he was driven under a handsomely de- 
corated portrait of himself which the citizens of Hallstead had swung 
across Susquehanna avenue in his honor. Mrs. W. F. Hallstead 
and friends, including W. ( ). Wilson, Scranton; Mrs. Nelson 
Walker, of Nicholson ; Mr. and Mrs. Harding, of Factory vi lie ; Mr. 
and Mrs. Wm. Harding, of New Milford, Orrin Hallstead, George 
Hallstead, son of the general superintendent, and Assistant Super- 
intendent Garrett Bogart, of Scranton, remained as guests of the 
town during the day, dining at C. J. Langley's and spending the 
evening at the home of Gould W. Capvvell. 

Immediately upon the arrival of Governor Beaver at the Mitchell 
House he held an informal reception in the east parlor, which was 
thronged with people for an hour, at the end of which time S. S. 
Wright, of Hickory Grove, took His Excellency for a short drive 
through the suburbs to show him some of the splendid natural scenery 
which graces the town on every side. 

The Great Parade. 

All through the early morning the various divisions of the parade 
had been arriving from every part of the county, and all quietly as- 
sumed the positions previously assigned them by Capt. H. F. Beards- 
ley. The following were the marshals and their aides : Marshal Tel- 
ford : aids, Dr. S. S. Simmons, Theodore Springstein. Marshal Rogers., 



9 2 

F. C. Man/er, David Lindsly, G. R. Sanders, Philo Burritt, Dr. 
Fike, Berdine Stearns, B. Maxey, ( >. Larabee. Marshal Hardy ; aids, 
< George W. Conrad, L. W. Moore, A. J. Sweet, G. L. Stone, L. VV. 
Tennant, H. Grant, H. C. Moxley. Marshal Barriger ; aids, B. C. 
Vance, VV. A. Crandell, S. T. Kistler, L. B. Crook, M. S- Lowe, 
Frank Sands, C. E. Bennett. Detailed: C. E. Stoddard, F. But- 
tertield, Byron Smith, Norton Roosa. This division consisted of one 
hundred and twenty-six mounted men, who escorted the Governor. 
Marshal Southwell ; aids, William Creigh. Patrick White, E. B. 
Beardslee, James E. Carmalt, Richard Foran, William Meeker. Mar- 
shal Jessup; aids, C. F. Watrous, N. M. Finn, J. R. Raynsford, Will- 
iam Carver, J. W. Adams, L. B. Miller, G. A. Jessup, E. J. Saund- 
ers. Marshal Titman : aids, Irwin M. Gray, W. S. White, N. F. 
Hine, Mr. Throckmorton, Charles A. Hungerford. 

At ten o'clock what to the casual observer seemed an endless mass 
iA' confusion at eleven o'clock became a splendid marching array of 
men. Under the master guidance of Grand Marshal Beardsley the 
broken columns developed into a perfect system, and when the pro- 
gramme time arrived and the command to "march" was given di- 
vision after division fell into line, and soon the grand procession, 
nearly two miles long, the finest ever witnessed in the northern tier, 
was moving in perfect order amidst the ringing huzzas of the multi- 
tude and the strains of music from eleven bands, down the main 
street, across the river, and on toward Great Bend borough, where 
it was received by immense crowds amidst gorgeous flag drapery, ever- 
greens, and gay festooning. At the M. E. Church a counter-march 
was made and the parade commenced the return to Hallstead, where 
it was to be received by the Governor and distinguished guests from 
a grand stand erected just next to the Log Cabin. Making a sharp 
curve to the east of the cabin gracefully, it swept under the ( lovernor's 
Arch and approached the review stand, where General Beaver and 
distinguished guests, who had left the procession, now stood ready 
to receive the splendid array which passed by in superb order as 
follows : 

('apt. H. F. Beardsley, Grand Marshal. Col. I). W. 

Searle, Chief oi Staff, and R H. Hall, 15. T. 

Glidden, A. M. Snow, and F. A. Marsh 

as Aids. 

< >ld Settlers and prominent citizens in carriages. 



93 



FIRST DIVISION. 



Colonel William H. Telford, Marshal and Aids. 

Susquehanna Cornet Band. 

Knights of Pythias, Susquehanna. 

Canton Cascade, 1. O. O. F., Susquehanna. 

Moody Post, No. 53, G. A. R., Susquehanna. 

Tremain Post, No. 81, G. A. R., Lanesborough. 

Erie Hose Company, No. 1, Susquehanna. 

Lanesborough Band. 

Nicholson Guards, Lanesborough. 

SECOND DIVISION. 

Dr. Wm. Rogers and I). N. Hardy, marshals, with their aids. (This 

was a consolidation of two divisions.) 

Gibson Cornet Band. 

Miss Jennie Dean, representing Mercy Tyler, the first physician in 

Susquehanna County. 

Susquehanna County Medical Society. 

W. C. T. U., in carriages. 

Captain Lyons Post, No. 85, G. A. R., Glenwood. 

Cambrian Band. 

Two hundred pupils from the Soldiers' Orphans' School of Harford 

in uniform. 
New Milford Band. 

THIRD DIVISION. 

P. R. Barriger, marshal and aids. 

Great Bend Band. 

Squad of eighty horsemen from various townships in the county. 

Springville Band. 

FOURTH DIVISION. 

Lieutenant H. C. Jessup, marshal, aids. 

Bauer's Band, Scranton. 

Chief Engineer Pope aud Assistants Knoll and Morris, of Montrose 

fire department. 

Rough and Ready Fire Company, No. 1 , Montrose. 

Rescue Hook and Ladder Company, No. 1, Montrose. 

South Montrose Band. 

Montrose Fire Company, No. 2, Montrose. 

Four Brothers Post, No. 453, G. A. R., Montrose. 

Bissel Post, No. 466, G. A. R., Rush. 

Heart Lake Band. 

Captain Beardsley Camp, Sons of Veterans, No. 168, Montrose. 

Brooklyn Band. 



94 

Lieutenant Rogers Post, No. 142, G. A. R., Brooklyn, commanded 

by Assistant Marshal Captain J. W. Adams, 

followed by detachments from 

J. F. Southworth Post, No. 222, G. A. R., Franklin Forks. 

Lieutenant H. C. Titman Post, No. 93, G. A. R., Auburn Four 

Corners. 

Simrell Post, No. 233, G. A. R., Great Bend. 

Small detachments from every other post, G. A. R., in the county 

were represented in the troop of mounted horsemen 

in third division. 

To describe this memorable parade in detail would be a difficult 
task. There was nothing in it but what was an ornament. To be sure, 
some ornaments were brighter than others, but all helped to make the 
affair a complete success. The first division, led by Colonel Telford, 
followed by the handsomely uniformed cornet band, the Odd Fel- 
lows, Knights of Pithias, two Grand Army posts, and the entire fire 
department of Susquehanna, moved by the review stand in such a man- 
ner as to bring the encomium "fine, fine " from the Governor's lips. 
Led by the well-known Gibson band, came the Susquehanna County 
Medical Society. Heading this body of professional gentlemen was 
■a (piaint representation of the first practitioner in the county, "Mercy 
Tyler," who practiced medicine in the neighborhood of Harford from 
1 793 to 18 10. In the carriages were seated the following well-known 
physicians, members of the society : Dr. F. D. Lamb, president ; I )r. 
C. C. Halsey, secretary ; W. L. Richardson, treasurer ; L.A.Smith, 
E. F. Wilmot, S. Birdsall, W. W, Fletcher, H. A. Tingley, C. A. 
Vaness, M. L. Miller. Then came a carriage in which were Mrs. S. 
B. Chase, Mrs. John Hayden, Mrs. J. H. Cook, and Mrs. M. J. 
Lirabee, all prominent members of the Women's Christian Temper- 
ance Union. They held in their hands a large Bible opened at the 
1 46th Psalm. As they passed the review stand Governor Beaver 
stood uncovered and gave a warm salute. Preceded by the Cam- 
brian band came two hundred pupils of the Harford Soldiers' Or- 
phans' School, under the direction of Professor Clark and a number 
of teachers belonging to that noble institution. The Montrose peo- 
ple drifted into wild enthusiasm, and were joined in the jubilee by 
the vast multitude when the splendid delegations from the county 
scat, headed by Bauer's famous Scranton band, marched with meas- 
ured tread and noble bearing under the arch and passed the distin- 
guished guests. 



95 

The Fire companies, with elegant hose carts, whose burnished silver 
and brass flashed all the sun there was ; the Hook and Ladder Com- 
pany with fine truck drawn by shapely greys ; the Four Brother Post 
of the Grand Army of the Republic in uniform and bearing the rib- 
boned canes presented to them by Comrade Benjamin ; the organi- 
zation of Sons of Veterans, comprising nearly all of the handsome 
young men on the Mount of Roses, such was the galaxy of stars sent 
by Montrose to help make the Centennial a success. The fine body 
of men comprising the Great Bend Commandery, the different Grand 
Army posts, and numerous cavalcades and bands from the county all 
received rounds of applause along the line of march. As soon as 
this impressive pageant had passed the review stand and marched 
away to the places assigned them for breaking ranks, the Governor, 
the Hon. G. A. Grow, and other distinguished guests were conducted 
by the Reception Committee to the Log Cabin where 

THE OLD SETTLERS' RECEPTION 

was to take place. 

A genial fire was roaring in the spacious fire-place, and owing to the 
♦ hilling air without it wasa welcome sight. A great crowd surrounded 
the cabin, which, at the request of the police, fell back and gave 
the old folks free ingress and egress. For each of the five hundred 
old citizens presented to him Governor Beaver had a warm shake of 
the hand and a kind salutation. A pleasant incident of the day was 
the presentation to General Beaver of Mai. Asa Hammond, of New 
Milford, aged 93, and Mrs. Tirzah Bushnell, of Auburn, age 92 years. 
Mrs. Bushnell was the guest of Senator Lines. She traveled nearly 
30 miles bv carriage to be present at the banquet, and was accomp- 
anied by Phoebe Ann Adams, daughter, Jessie B. James, grandchild, 
and Anna S. James, great grandchild, making four generations. 

After nearly an hour of constant hand shaking the distinguished 
party were conducted by W. H. Jessup, W. 1). Lusk, and O. A. 
Lines, of the Reception Committee, to the great tent where 

THE OLD SETTLERS' MANQUET 

had been prepared by Caterer F. M. Kent, the manager of E. L. 
Troch's confectionery establishment in Scranton. 

The following is a copy of the admission cards used by the old 
settlers, and we print in it the names of the two oldest persons who 
dined with the Governor. 



9 6 




^Banquet Sard. 



ADMISSION TO BANQUET. 

Mrs. Tirzah Bushnell, age $2. 
Ma/. Asa Hammond, age <pj. 



PRESENT THIS CARD AT THE DOOR. 

By a hurried glance through the mammouth quarters were noticed 
among the invited guests C. E. Whitney, G. C. Howells, G. R. 
Resseguie, S. P. More, J. Clark, jr., C. S. Vail, E. B. Beardslee, T. 
1). Estabrooks, C. Munson, E. C. Fuller, J. H. Cook, Dr. C. C. Hal- 
sey, Captain Beardsley, George A. Post, G. A. Grow, Wm. Maxey. 
E. H. True, E. M. Tewksbury, and M. J. Harrington. 

In charming costumes of a hundred years ago, the following young 
ladies, under the supervision of Mrs. S. B. Chase, Mrs. G. W. Cap- 
well, Mrs. Olive Mcintosh, Mrs. W. K. Hatch, Mrs. J. H. Cook, 
Mrs. James T. Du Bois, Miss Agnes Pope, and Miss Kitty Hayden 
served as waitresses at the banquet and won much praise by the ad- 
mirable manner in which they discharged their pleasant duties. 

Jennie Currier, Halstead ; Ada Cook, Susquehanna , Lizzie Gard- 
ner, T. Grace Decker. Clifford; Lottie Stockholm, Franklin; Ma- 
bel Lara bee, Thomson: Theo. McKinney, Great Bend Township: 
Eva Page, Jackson ; Lena Lusk. Montrose; Kitty McCreary, Hall- 
stead ; Ida Barnes, Herrick Centre : Libbie Sanford, Harford : 
Florence Maxwell, Binghamton ; Nina Morse, New Milford ; Ma- 
mie Potter, Gibson : Kate Ward. New Milford. This galaxy of prettv 
maidens served this 



BILL OF FARE, 

« completely satisfying three hundred sturdy appetites. 



97 

OYSTER soil'. 
MEATS. 

Roast Beef. Lamb. Boiled Ham. Beef and Cabbage. 

Baked Pork and Beans. 

VEGETABLES. 

White Potatoes. Sweet Potatoes. Turnips. 'Tomatoes. Cabbage. 

Celery and Pickles. 

Bread and Butter Tea and Coffee. 

PASTRY. 

Appple, Mince, and Pumpkin Pies. 

FRUIT. 

Apples, Grapes, and Bananas. 

Governor Beaver sat at the center table. On his right was Judge 
]essup; on his left Judge McCollum. Isaac Hallstead, of Gibson, 
aged 73, coming a little late and not finding a seat at the other table. 
Judge Jessup kindly gave him his place of honor at the right of the 
Governor. At this table were also ex-Senator Nelson and a number 
of distinguished guests and old settlers. At the other tables, run- 
ning the whole length of the mammoth tent, were comfortably placed 
about 250 old people. In the absence of the venerable Rev. James 
B. McCreary, who was expected to ask the blessing upon this impres- 
sive occasion, ex-Senator Nelson performed that sacred duty. 

Scarcely had the oyster soup been served when one of the sturdy 
old settlers at the Governor's table quietly remarked to His Excel- 
lency that he " didn't believe in making such a fuss over a Governor, 
for he was only a man after all." With a twinkle in his eye, the 
Governor replied good naturedly, " That's so, and especially a one- 
legged Governor at that." A peal of laughter followed this repartee, 
which died away in the hum of six hundred lips that were discussing 
the menu and telling tales of ye olden times, when burnt crust coffee 
and black bread cake were Sunday dishes and the wooden bowl and 
trencher the table furniture. 

Now that the dear old folk are busy banqueting let us see who of 
the army of aged people of the county have kindly enlisted as 

OUR HONORED GUESTS. 

We have the pleasure of beginning the treasured-list with the name 
of Mrs. Letta Arnold, of Hallstead, age 75 years, and will follow it 
in alphebetical order, but before doing so we wish to say that not- 
withstanding our persistent and earnest endeavors, we have been un- 

7 



9 3 

able to obtain the age and residence of a large number of these who 
attended the banquet. We regret this, tor we know that one hundred 
years heme the 500,000 inhabitants of the count}- who celebrate our 
bi-Centennial will want to know just who were at this banquet. 

A. — Daniel Avery. 

B. — John Brown, Lewis Beebe, Apalacon Zerlotus Bronson, Hiram 
Blakeslee, Dimock ; Silas Beardslee, age 76, Little Meadows; John 
Beardslee, 74, Little Meadows ; Lyman Blakeslee, Springvi lie ; Har- 
rison Brown, Mrs. A. Van Buskirk, Jeremiah Brandow, New Milford 
Township : Mary J. Bassett, Mrs. Calista Bennett. 80. South Gibson ; 
Simeon Burdick, Albert Beardsley, 87, Springville, resident of the 
county 71 years, justice of the peace at Springville 25 years; Henry 
Benson, Mrs. Marion Bush, Bridgewater ; Elisha Bell, Hopbottom; 
Mrs. Martha Bell, Mrs. Sophia Barriger, Lewis Benson, 73, Lake 
View; Phillip Burdick, James Bell, Susquehanna; Mrs. Brigham, 
Mrs. Tirzah Bushnell, 92. Auburn, oldest lady at the banquet ; Oba- 
diah Bailey. 77, Brooklyn ; A. N. Bullard, 70, Montrose. His 
mother came from Connecticut, via the Great Bend of the Susque- 
hanna in 1804, and built a log cabin in South Montrose. She was 
two and one-half days traveling from Hallstead to Montrose. Will- 
iam Booth, Jonathan Bennett, Mr. Blower. Austin Barriger, Great 
Bend Township; Marion Bush, Bridgewater; Mrs. Hearty Blasdell, 
82, Fairdale ; J. O. Bullard, Brooklyn; John Barnum, 81, Middle- 
town : H. K. Blower, Alvin M. Barrett, Jackson ; W. H. Boyd, 
Montrose; L. (i. Bennett. 75, South Gibson ; Mrs. L. G. Bennett, 
77. South Gibson ; Timothy Butler, Mrs. Lyman Blakeslee, Spring- 
ville : J. B. Beardsley. 79, Auburn. He has lived on the farm, 
which lie now occupies for 70 years. Reuben Baker. 

C. — Rufus D. ("lark, 83, Hopbottom; Oliver Clinton. Jackson; 
George L Corwin, ('. G. Cede. Mrs. C. (i. Cole, Mrs. Henry Cru- 
ser, 74, Montrose; Mrs. Harriet Carter, S. H. Croker, Russell Col- 
grove, Susquehanna; Mrs. Ann Clinton, Peter Clark. Alfred E. 
Corwin, 75, Montrose: Mrs. Horace Case. Joseph Chalker, Robert 
Calwell, jr., Mrs. Chloe Crossman, 81, Bridgewater; William A. 
Coleman, William Conrad, X. R. Cole, Rilej Case, 87, Hallstead; 
Mrs. Polly Cowles, S. S. Corwin. Mrs. S. S. Corwin. J. W. Chap- 
man, Si ; Mrs. J. W. Chapman, 72, Scranton; Henrv Clemens, 
Michael Condon. Susquehanna; I'. H. Corwin. Mrs. P. H. Cor- 
win, < ). G. Coughlin, Mrs. ( ). G. Coughlin, Cornelius J. Curtis, 
Bridgewater; J. B. Chalker, Mrs. J. I!. Chalker, Jeremiah Cough- 
lin, 91 , Friendsville. 

1). — Mrs. Rhoda Decker. 77, Hallstead ; Nathaniel Duel, 71-, Lit- 
tle Meadows; M . O. Dimmock, Mrs. Mar) 1). Dean. David Davis, 
William Darby, Patrick Donovan, John H. Deakin, 70, Franklin; 
Peter Dunn, 79: Mrs. Peter Dunn, 79. Harford; Michael Doretty, 
Mrs. Michael Dorett\ . 



99 

E.— John R. Ely, 87, Brooklyn; H. M. English, William Esta- 
forook. 

F.— D. M. Farrar, L. T. Farrar, 80, Mrs. L. T. Farrer, 71, Har- 
ford : L. Fuller, Mrs. L. Fuller, Mrs. Ovid Follett, 74, Harford; 
Charles French, 78, North Tackson : Ansel Fox, 72, Little Meadows; 
A.very Frink, A. H. Fish, Mrs. Walter Follett, Mrs. Willis Follett, 
78, Brooklyn. 

G— Abner Grifhs, Forest Lake; Mrs. John Griggs, Stephen R. 
Gelatt, Mrs. Lydia Gardiner, 72, Wanton Green, Mrs. Wanton 
Green, Edwin R. Grow, Lenox; Robert Gelatt, 76, Thomson ; Mrs. 
L. A. H. Gelatt, 72, Thomson; Lines Green, R. W. Gere, 79, 
Brooklyn; Ira Gage. 

H.— M. H. Van Housen, Mrs. M. H. VanHousen. W. C.Handrick, 
Mrs. W. C. Handrick, Mrs. S. I). Hendrick, Washington Hawkins, 
Hiram Hibbard, Mrs. Hiram Hibbard, Charles Hazen, John Hines, 
John Hoppie, P. Hinds, 79, Little Meadows; George Harrison, Isaac 
Hallstead, 73, South Gibson; D. L. Hine, Mrs. D. L. Hine, Archi- 
bald Hill, Mrs. Archibald Hill, Michael Heffron, Apolacon ; C. M. 
Howard, Ira Hine, 71, Thomson ; Major Asa Hammond, 93, New 
Milford. The oldest settler at the banquet, J. B. Johnston, 76, 
Hallstead ; the oldest resident of Hallstead, having lived there 74 
years, Mrs. J. B. Tohnston. 

K. Howard Kimball, 78, Little Meadows; Edward Kimball, 

73, Little Meadows ; Henry Kerr, Simeon Knapp, James Kasson, 
Springville ; Alonzo Kinne, 82, South Gibson ; 50 years a resident 
of Gibson and 58 years of the county. 

L. Mrs. Anna Leach, David Lyons, Edwin Lathrop, Montrose : 

G. O. Loomis, 74, Lenox; C. J. Lathrop, 72, Brooklyn, C. V¥. 
Latham, 73, Ararat; Benjamin Lagier, Emory Larabee, Mrs. John 
Leslie, fohn Lord, Mrs. Catharine S. Lord, 75, Hopbottom ; Horace 
Little, "79, New Milford ; Samuel Lindsay, Mrs. Edwin Lathrop, 
Montrose; Mrs. 1'.. Loomis, Mrs. Samuel Lee, Lewis Low, L. D. 
Larabee, 78, North Jackson ; Aden Larabee, Mrs. Aden Larabee, 
S. T. Lee, 75 ; Mrs* S. T. Lee, 71, Choconut ; R. O. Lewis, Mrs. 
R. O. Lewis, Amherst Linsley, Mrs. Lyons. 

M. Mrs. S. M. Morse, Mrs. Sarah Leach McMillan, 77, New 

Milford ; Joseph Moore, 73, Harford : J. L. Merriman, 70, Upson 
ville ; loseph Miller, Mrs. Mary A. Meyers, 73, Herrick Centre ; 
Mrs Irene Moore, William Mesick, Great Bend Township ; Mr. 
McCabe, Mrs. McCabe, Jacob McLeod, Mrs. Jacob McLeod, New 
Milford Township; Lemuel Mitchell, Mrs. Lemuel Mitchell, A. 
Mudge, John C. Miller, 70, Springville. 

X."__Henry W. Northup, 70, New Milford ; Patrick Nerville, 
Apolacon. 

O.— William Overfield, Henry Osterhout, 74, Auburn : Alonzo 
Oakley, Henry Osterhout. 70, Liberty ; John Osterhout. Liberty; 
Abram Osterhout, Liberty. 



P. — L. S. Page, Mrs. L. S. Page, Susquehanna ; Noah Pratt, John 
Perigo, Hiram Pooler. 82. Susquehanna; Stephen Potter, Oliver 
Payne, Jonathan Pickering. 77, Mrs. Jonathan Pickering, 70, 
Jackson : W. H. Pope. 

R. — H. H. Roe, Otis Ross. 83, Middletown; Mrs. L. Rose. 88, 
Great Bend Township; Mrs. William Robinson, Dr. W. L. Rich- 
ardson, 72, Montrose; Mrs. W. L. Richardson, 73, Montrose. 

S. — William Smith. Mrs. Jane Stephens, 73, Clifford; Burgess- 
Smith, Daniel Stuart. Mr. Smith. Mrs. Smith, M. Southworth, 
John Steenback, 74, Gibson ; Mrs. G. M. Smith, Mrs. E. Safford, 
72, Montrose; Mrs. Mary Severance, 78, Clifford; Mrs. Bates 
Smith, L. Stone, Almon Sweet, Mrs. Maria Southworth, Mrs. Laury 
Sampson, William Stoddard, Dr. L. A. Smith, 71, New Milford ; 
Mrs. R. Shipley, Oakland ; David Stoddard, 70, Great Bend Town- 
ship; S. N. Smith. Mrs. Ann Smith, 83, Great Bend; Benjamin 
Stephens, Mrs. Benjamin Stephens, Morgan Shutts, Peter Strupler, 
Mrs. Peter Strupler, Dimock. 

T.- — S. W. 'Thatcher, Mrs. Catherine Travis, Samuel Tewksbury, 
84, Auburn; Eliza Tewksbury, 83, Auburn; Amasa Trowbridge. 
(beat Bend Township; N. Tingley, New Milford; Abel Turrell, 
Montrose; Almon Tingley, G. \V. Tyler, J. P. Tingley, E. M. 
Tewksbury, G. W. 'Trowbridge. David 'Thomas, 82, Mrs. David 
'Thomas. 78, (beat Bend Borough; Charles H. Trowbridge, Great 
Bend Township ; T. J. 'Tiffany, Mrs. Jacob Taylor, Harmon \ ; Mrs. 
Anna 'Tiffany. Glenwood ; P. H. 'Tiffany, Brooklyn; Mrs. P. H. 
Tiffany, ('apt. J. S. 'Tingley, Jacob 'Tewksbury, 77. Bridgewater; 
Miss Lucretia Tiffany, B. B. Tuttle, Great Bend 'Township: Free- 
man 'Tingley, Mrs. 'Truman 'Tingley. 

W. — Edward Whitford, Mrs. Sarah Wright, Loomis Wright, 76, 
Ilopbottom; David Wellman, Mrs. Emily J. Woodward. 71, South 
Gibson; T. Washburn. South Gibson ; Joseph Westbrook, William 
Winter, 70, 'Thomson: Elida B. Warner, 80, Bridgewater; Mrs. 
Loomis Wright, 71, Hopbottom; Andrew Watson, Mrs. Williams, 
George W. Woodward, 86, South Gibson, the oldest man now living 
in Gibson 'Township; Colbert Witter, Charles 11. Warner, Mrs. 
Charles H. Warner, Great Bend Township: Spencer Watrous, 77, 
bridgewater; Franklin Washburn, Mrs. Franklin Washburn. N. P. 
Wheaton, 77. Mrs. X. P. Wheaton, 73, Franklin Forks; J. W. 
Walker, Mrs. j. W. Walker, John Wood, Ferdinand Whipple, 89, 
Mary Whipple, 71, Brooklyn; Mr. Whipple has lived on the farm 
for many years where was located the first grist-mill ever built in the 
count}', a part of the water wheel of which was on exhibition at the 
Relic Hall; Elijah Wilbur. 86, Brackney. 

V._Mrs. Eliza Van Fleet, E. Vail, Mrs. E. Vail. 

What a wealth of white heads. What a sea of sturdy, intelligent 
faces. What a world of personal reminiscences. What a feast of 
tale-telling. What a flow of soul. We do not believe that ever be- 



fore in the history of this or any other country such a collection of 
old people, residents of a certain district over forty years, and them- 
selves over seventy years old, have been gathered together under one 
roof and banquetted. It was a sight seen only once in a lifetime, 
but never to be forgotten. Think of a company of patriarchs, whose 
ages averaged 75^ years and aggregated 19,402 years, coming from 
every part of a county wherein they had been residents for over forty 
years. "It was an impressive and novel sight, perhaps the most im- 
pressive and certainly the most novel I have ever witnessed," said Gov- 
ernor Beaver, after leaving the banquet tent. It is really to be re- 
gretted that the ages, residences, and brief historical notices of these 
honored guests were not furnished us in full, as we requested for pub- 
lication in this little work. It would have been a chapter of great 
interest and value to their descendants and all those who shall cele- 
brate our second grand Jubilee in 1987. We talk of Jotham's fable 
of the trees (Judges IX, 1209 B. C. ) as the oldest fable extant, and 
as beautiful as any made since. We call the song of Miriam, "and 
Miriam answered them, Sing ye to the Lord, for he has triumphed 
gloriously: the horse and his rider he hath thrown into the sea," 
the oldest poem extant. We speak of San Marino on the beautiful 
-bores of the Adriatic, on whose capitol is emblazoned the word 
-•Liberty," as the oldest republic in the world ; and may it not come 
to pass in the jubilant days of our second Centennial that our chil- 
dren's chikfren will tenderly deck with bright laurel green the por 
traits of our venerable guests and call them "the oldest pioneers of 
our county's civilization" and give them conspicuous places in their 

great Relic Hall. 

The days of 

our years 

are threescore 
and ten, and if by 
reason of strength 
they be fourscore, 

vet is their 

strength labor 

and sorrow ; 

for it is soon 

cut off. and 

we fly away. 



So says the sacred Psalmist, and in behalf of the honored "two 
hundred and fifty-seven " we hope for better things. : And our hope 
is based upon a substantial probability. 

In looking over the sea of venerable faces within the confines of 
the great tent one must have been profoundly impressed with the in- 
telligence and sturdy character of the guests. The impress of vig- 
orous health in almost every face augured for each the enjoyment of 
a full century's lease of life. Dear old folk ! here is our wish for a 
centennial anniversary for each and every one of sou, and may God 

bless you all. 

I .( >\<;i,vin . 

|ust here a tew statistics about longevity may prove of interest- 
Scientists claim that longevity is increasing throughout the world, 
and the life insurance reports, in a measure, confirm the claim. In 
i860 there were 20,000 persons in the United States who were liv- 
ing when the Declaration of Independence was signed, making them 
all over 80 years old. John Hames, who was living in Georgia at 
the commencement of the rebellion, was a lad of 10 years when 
Washington lay nursing in his cradle at Wakefield, Va. ; he was 32 
when Braddock was defeated ; 53 when the Declaration of Indepen- 
dence was signed, and was still alive at the advanced age of 138 
when Lincoln was elected President. 

The oldest native-born American white person now living in the 
United States is probably Matthew W. Burchard, of Detroit, Mich . 
who was born July 4, 1788, about 1 year after the Strongs located on 
the big bend of the Susquehanna. He arises early, sits up all day, 
and enjoys life as much as he did at 60 His friends intend giving 
him a grand centennial testimonial the next 4th of July. 

Here is a galaxy of famous people now living who are over 70 
years old : M. Chevreul, the eminent French scientist, will soon be 
102; the once eloquent Kossuth is 85 ; the famous doctor, Dollin- 
ger. is 88 ; the grand old man eloquent, Gladstone, is 79, and re- 
cently made one of the ablest speeches of his life; Emperor Will 
iam, the oldest ruler in the world, is 91 ; Ferdinand De Lesseps, the 
great (anal-builder, is 72 : the greatest strategist of his day, Von 
Moltke. is 87, and still active and energetic ; Prince Bismark is 72 : 
1 x President Grevy, of France, who has just died politically of too 
much son-in-law, is 74 ; Whittier is hale, hearty, and 80 ; Poet Tenny- 
son is 78; Dr. Oliver Wendell Holmes is 78, and still publishes much 
that graces our literature : Richard Browning is over 75 : Verdi, the 



great composer, is 73, and still busy ; Messonier, the distinguished 
French artist, is 72, and is yet giving to the world evidence of his 
master skill ; P. T. Barnum is 77, and his ambition to remain the 
greatest showman on earth increases with his advancing years — three 
hours after his great show was destroyed by fire the other day he 
cabled to different parts of the world for a new supply of wild beasts 
and wild freaks of nature; the Pope of Rome is 77, and is in better 
health than when he ascended the papal throne in 1878. 

There is now living on a hill not far from Hackettstown, N. ]., a 
colored woman reported to be 124 years old, probably the oldest 
colored person in the United States. She has a daughter living who 
is 80 vears old. She claims to have been a manumitted slave, and 
was a servant in the family of Mina Du Bois when he located at 
Hallstead in 1791. A newspaper recently reported that a tramp 
visited their humble hut on the New Jersey hill and demanded a loaf 
of bread. He was seized by the nape of the neck and bosom of the 
pants by the mother and thrown out of doors and thoroughly beaten 
by the daughter after he fell. He left at once for Hackettstown by 
the shortest route. 

Some years ago the Russian statisticians claimed that there were 
forty persons living in the empire 120 years old, fifteen 130, nine 
136, and three T38. One was a peasant who attained the age of 
138. He was married at 19; became the husband of seven wives 
and the father of thirty-two children. He often said that he fancied 
death had entirely forgotten him. 

Another extraordinary example of long life was the case of the 
Hungarian family of Roven. The father was 174, the wife 164. 
They lived together as man and wife for 142 years. The youngest 
child was 115 years old, and was treated at that age with all the 
severity of parental rigidity. 

But the English Annals of Longevity overshadow these tremen- 
dous ages, as the following inscription, taken from the official register 
©f burials of St. Leonard's, Shoreditch, will prove: 

1588. Burialles. Fol. 35. 

Thomas Cam was buried ye 22 inst. of , 
Januarye, aged 207 yeares. 
Holywell Street 

George Garrow, 
Copy Aug'st 25. 1S32. Clerk. 



104 

We simply mention these remarkable cases of alleged longevity to 
show the possibilities of prolonged human life, with the hope that 
each of our aged centennial guests may enjoy continued health and 
prosperity, and that Time may lay his hand upon their hearts 
"gently, not smiting them, but as a harper lays his open palm upon 
his harp to deaden its vibrations." 

FROM BANQUET TENT TO GRAND STAND. 

When Governor Beaver passed from the great tent, accompanied 
by the Hon. W. H. Jessup, Hon. Galusha H. Grow, several mem- 
bers of the Reception Committee and a large number of the old set- 
tlers and crossed over the crowded field to the grand stand, the sight 
was impressive. The sun had broken boldly through the clouds and 
illumined hill and dale with a resplendent autumnal light. The wind 
had become less boisterous and the unpleasant chilliness of the air, 
touched by the moderating rays of the October sun, was no longer 
annoying. Everywhere the eye turned it was met by crowds upon 
crowds of men, women, and children. Everywhere were waving 
flags and gay embellishments. From all quarters came the notes of 
inspiring music and the hum of mankind. The long bridge quivered 
beneath the ponderous weight of enthusiastic people; the streets were 
literally packed ; the balconies and house-tops looking upon the grand 
stand were lined with expectant crowds, while from all points there 
( ame a regular ground swell of jolly good cheer. It was estimated 
that fifteen thousand people could be seen from the grand stand dur- 
ing the afternoon exercises. 

AT THE GRAND STAND. 

In the rear and upon the south side of the grand stand were seated 
a great choir of 150 ladies and gentlemen from everv part of the 
county under the direction of Professor A. K. Harroun, of Montrose. 
On the platform were seated Governor Beaver, Hon. Galusha A. 
Grow, Judge J. I'.. M< Col him. Judge W. H. Jessup, W. 1). Lusk, 
Hon. George \. Post, Rev. L. W. Church. Rev. R. N. Ives, J. P. 
'lav lor. Dr. ('. C. Halsey, Henry Burchard, W, ( '. Cruser, J. (lark, 
jr., H. Benson, C. S. Vail. G. C. Howells, S. P. More, Tracy Sweet, 
Hon. E. H. True. Hon. Wm. Maxey, Hon. E. C. Fuller. Hon. M. 
|. Larabee, < '. E. Whitney, Rev. E. B. Olmstead, and a large number 
of other prominent citizens and old settlers. 



The President of the meeting was W. D. Lusk, esq. The vice-Presi - 
dents were : John P>. Buck, Great Bend ; Martin Hall. Jackson ; Maj. 
Asa Hammond, New Milford ; Zachariah Brewster, Bridgewater ; 
Albert Beardsley, Springville; Chauncey Wright, Forest Lake; 
Benjamin Glidden, Friendsville ; Abel Turrell, Montrose; Gideon 
L. Swisher, Auburn. 

At half past two the exercises were opened by the grand choir 
rendering in a very effective manner "Damascus," at the close of 
which the Rev. L. W. Church offered the following 

prayer : 
Thou ever blessed God, our Father and Friend, we thank Thee 
for the prosperity and blessing of one hundred years. To Thee, the 
author of our being, belongeth adoration and praise for Thy won- 
derful goodness to men, and especially to this people now gathered 
from the various valleys and hills of this county to celebrate unitedly 
the close of this one hundred years. We thank Thee, O God. for 
the sturdy bravery and steady preservance of our forefathers who, 
with their wives and little ones, penetrated the wilds of this region 
at a very early day, and with ax and plow opened up a way for 
their children coming after them, in due time to gather the harvest 
of fruit springing from the seed so laboriously sown. Through 
these valleys and over these hills the wild beasts and still wilder 
Indians roamed unmolested one hundred years ago, and along these 
water-courses the timid deer slaked their thirst in numbers to us now 
unknown. We thank Thee, Father, that the wild beast and Indian 
have given place to the cattle on our hills to-day, the corn in our 
vales, and the thousand happy homes of our people, and that the 
works of civilization, enlightenment and freedom are ever moving 
forward with the march of time, and that we are permitted to wor- 
ship Thee without molestation or fear. Continue to us, we beseech 
Thee, O God of our fathers, these inestimable blessings of liberty, 
enlightenment and prosperity as individuals and as a people through 
years and ages yet to come. Bless, O Lord, the aged fathers and 
mothers with us to-day, and may we, their children, emulate the 
many virtues they possess, loving country more for the reason of the 
toil and exposure bravely endured as the price of the heritage we 
now enjoy. Remember in Thy goodness His Excellency the Gov- 
ernor of this State, now with us, to grace by his official presence the 
exercises of the day. Make him a man after Thine own heart, and 
may he, with all our other rulers, govern this people in the love and 
fear of God, to whom all are accountable for their deeds. Guard 
our shores from invasion by hostile forces, keep our people from in- 
ternal strife, and defend our free institutions, our schools, our 
churches and our firesides from every attack, either covert or public, 



io6 

of evil men. We commit all of our interests as individuals and as a 
Nation into Thy keeping, () Lord who art the only wise Almightj 
God. 

••As it was in the beginning, is now. and ever shall be." Amen. 

The celebrated Bauer's band of Scranton, which was stationed at 
the southern approach to the bridge, then rendered a popular air, 
after which President Lusk said : "In opening the exercises of this the 
third and last day of our Centennial Jubilee, I take pleasure in hav- 
ing the honor to act as President of the day. My worthy conferee 
of yesterday who acted as President of the day said in his opening 
address that, although he was not born in this county, he came to it 
young and received so many kindnesses from its people that his love 
for the county of his adoption was the same as if he had been born in 
it. Ladies and gentlemen, the President of this day has the honor 
of being the oldest male child living that was born within the present 
limits of the borough of Hallstead, which limits, as we heard yester- 
day from the historical address, were within the confines of the tract 
of land purchased by the first white man who settled in this county. 
Although not now living in this borough, 1 am greatly interested in 
its progress, and am a descendant of one who purchased the first 
piece of land from the Strongs in 1791. Ladies and gentlemen, in 
introducing the different speakers this afternoon it gives me great 
pleasure to present to you James T. Du Hois, who will deliver the 

•■ VDDRESS 01 WELCOME." 

Mr. Du Bois said : 

Mr. Chairman: Your Excellency, our Governor, distinguished 
guests, oldest settlers of the Susquehanna County, citizens and stran- 
gers, upon this, the red-letter day of our existence which is so fraught 
with interest to this town and county, the people of Hallstead take 
supreme pleasure in sending you greetings, and in bidding you wel- 
come, one and all. 

To welcome such distinguished guests as these, to welcome such a 
vast throng of the sturdy < itizehs of Susquehanna County at anytime 
would be to any man a pleasant, yet impressive task ; but to welcome 
them upon such an occasion as this makes it thrice pleasant and pro 
foundly impressive. 

To his Excellency, the Governor of the Commonweath of Penn- 
sylvania, the eminently good ruler, the truly brave soldier, our gov- 
ernor and our friend, we. the people of Susquehanna County, bow 
n grateful recognition of the honor and pleasure he has conferred 
upon us by his presence here to-day, and, Your Excellency, for this 
distinguished favor, we most respectfully assure you that you shall live 
in our hearts forever and pay no rent. 



107 

To say that another distinguished guest now present is welcome 
wherever the patriotic people of Susquehanna County assemble to 
gether would be but to voice a self-evident truth. From youth to 
splendid manhood every step in the career of Galusha A. Grow has 
shed undying luster upon the escutheon of our country's fame and 
progress; and, fellow-citizens, I need but add that no monument ever 
reared by the hands of men to commemorate the beneficent deeds of 
mankind will outlive the influence of that immortal enactment of 
which he is the father, and which secures to the toiling millions of 
America free homes for free men. 

Over yonder, resting on the superb highlands of our county, is 
the pretty town of Montrose, known for its refinement, its culture 
and production of eminent men. Among the illustrious sons which 
she has given to the county we have the honor to welcome one in 
the person of Judge McCollum, our Centennial historian, who is. 
pre-eminent as a citizen, pre-eminent as a jurist, and whose pre-emi- 
nence and good name have helped to make our county great. 

Another famous son of Susquehanna County was here whom we all 
were glad to welcome on the second glorious day of our fescivities. 
In young manhood he left your midst to fight the battle of life in the 
great Northwest, and that he has proven himself a supremely good 
lighter is evidenced by the fact that he now returns to his native 
county recognized by all as one of the ablest and most eloquent men 
in the council chambers of the nation. We are all very grateful that 
Martin A. Foran, the celebrated author of " The Other Side," has 
consented to come over to our side during these festivities, and we 
all sincerely hope that when at last he is called over to the other side 
i we mean that great, mysterious, boundless, glorious other side) that 
he will find a welcome there as cordial as is the sentiment of welcome 
in our breasts for him to-day. 

Another distinguished guest was here this morning, whose honored 
name the town of Hallstead bears, and we regret that he is not pres- 
ent now, yet I confess, fellow-citizens, were he here, I could but 
poorly express the feeling of welcome that the people of this place 
have for him to-day and which they have for him always. I am free 
to say that the people of this entire region feel profoundly grateful 
to him for having given to us a railroad which in equipment and able 
management is second to none in all this land. 

In these brief words of greeting we must not, we cannot forget that 
band of venerable inhabitants who are our honored guests this day. 

To you, pioneers of Susquehanna County, this event is large with 
interest. One hundred years ago Ozias Strong, forcing his way west- 
ward from the Atlantic, planted his rude tent on yonder sightly bluff, 
from whose pretty point of prospect he could count the pine-clad 
summits of twenty mountains and watch the silent flow of a river 
which, in picturesque beauty, is peerless throughout the world. It 
was a S/ro//t r beginning of a most successful colony, and, venerable 



ioS 

inhabitants, this vast assemblage may read in your faces, if it will, 
much of the splendid history which that colony has made. Oldest 
settlers, by your kindly presence here to-day the willing mind goes 
drifting to scattered settlements in broad reaches of wilderness, to 
small clearings dotted with stumps and fringed with howling wolves, 
to sturdy men and faithful women, who, far away from the comforts 
of civilization and the heartless distinctions of caste, became the cre- 
ators of hearthstones, the clearers of farm lands, and the builders of 
States. Turning from those rude scenes down to the present civili- 
zation of Susquehanna County, rich in all the blessings which are 
vouchsafed to the welfare and comfort of mankind, and we are startled 
to find how much we owe to your industry, to your integrity, and to 
your indomitable pluck. Therefore, oldest of the county, this day 
is more your day than anybody's else, and in welcoming you we sin- 
cerely hope that you may enjoy much of its glory and have much of 
its pleasures. 

A stranger once entered a village and saw a hearse and a long line 
of carriages standing in front of a church in the door of which stood 
a solemn-looking little sexton who had never been known to smile 
within the memory of man. The stranger approached him and said, 
" Is this a funeral?" The sexton replied that it was. The stranger 
then asked, "Who is dead?" The sexton named the deceased. 
The inquisitive man then inquired, ••What was the complaint?" 
The solemn face of the little sexton lit up, and smiling for the first 
time in forty years, he said, " Why, sir, there is no complaint ; every- 
body is entirely satisfied." So, fellow-citizens and strangers, we ex- 
tend to each and every one of you a warm and heartfelt welcome to 
these festivities, and when von turn your faces toward your homes 
this night, may it be with you as it was in the story, no cause for 
complaint, everybody entirely satisfied. Again we welcome each 
and every one of you, and may God bless us all. 

At the conclusion of this address the grand choir sang the Cen- 
tennial Hymn, written by Miss Sarah Jones, of Harford, in a man- 
ner that elicited cordial applause from the vast multitude. 

THE CENTENNIAL HYMN. 

From far and near, proud, happy, free. 
We come to swell this jubilee. 
I ,ife's pulses thrill with rapture sweet 
This glad Centennial morn to greet. 
While thoughts of thousands backward run 
Across the years, as one by one 
They fall with grand, historic chime 
Down through the centuries of time. 



109 

Our fathers, with prophetic eyes, 
Saw this fair heritage arise ; 
The wilderness they wisely chose 
Now buds and blossoms like the rose; 
Their sons, intelligent and free, 
Famed in the past, famed still to be, 
Are found in nearly every State 
Oi this loved land, our Union great. 

We stand to-day one land confessed, 
No blue or gray, no race oppressed, 
And yet the soil our river laves 
Holds hallowed dust in honored graves, 
Our best and bravest freely gave 
Their lives this heritage to save; 
Dark was the night, but Freedom's sun 
A grander cycle has begun. 

Fathers and mothers bent and grey, 
Whose presence crowns this happy day, 
The teachings you have held most dear 
Leave with the children gathered here, 
That they may to their children tell 
The same great truths and heed them well ; 
Thus, nobler manhood all may see 
When dies this new born century. 

We hail each honored guest, 

From North and South, from East and West, 

The thinking minds of Keystone State, 

The soldier, statesman, magistrate, 

All honest, earnest toilers who 

Do well the work they find to do ; 

Lofty or lowly, great or small, 

Old Susquehanna greets you all. 

Dear banner county, trusted, tried, 

Come to the front with loyal pride ; 

As in the past, as to day, 

In all things worthy lead the way. 

God make us like our fathers wise, 

That we, with their prophetic eyes, 

May see, through Him, our shield and sun, 

Our brighter glory just begun. 

The Hon. Galusha A. Grow was then presented to the people by 
President Lusk as "a statesman and orator known and admired 
throughout the entire county, State, and nation. He was elected 
and re-elected for six terms as your Congressman. He was Speaker 
of the House of Representatives at the time the war for the Union 
was progressing, and made himself famous for his efforts in helping 
to put down the great rebellion. He is known and popularly known 
all over the continent as the " father of the homestead art." 



Mr. Grow's Address. 

< )ne hundred and six years before Ozias Strong built his log cabin 
.hi the banks - of the Susquehanna Charles II, King of Great Britain, 
granted by royal charter to William Penn and his successors 40,000 
square miles of territory including the spot on which we stand, and 
he named the territory Pennsylvania. 

The consideration recited in the grant was two beaver skins annu- 
ally — this may be one reason why the people of the State like Beaver — 
and a reservation of one-fifth of all gold and silver mined. This reser- 
vation has been retained ever since in all conveyances of land by the 
( ommonwealth. 

Penn wanted the King to change the name of the territory to New 
'Wales. Had this been done we should all now be Welshmen, and 
to distinguish us from the Welsh of Great Britain we probably should 
be called New Welsh. 

When the King refused to make this change Penn requested him 
to call the territory simply Sylvania, an anglacized Latin word signi- 
fying forest. Had this request been granted we should ha^e been 
known as Sylvanians ; that is, foresters. But the King declined to 
make any change, so we are all now and ever more Pennsylvanians ; 
that is Penn's Forester's, instead of New Welsh. 

In his native land Penn had thrice been fined and imprisoned for 
preaching the religious doctrines of the Ouakers. 

In 1682, with one hundred others, he sailed on the ship ''Wel- 
come" for the New World to found a State in deeds of peace and 
on the broadest principles of religious toleration. His practice in all 
things conformed to his tittered sentiment. " There can be no reason 
for persecuting any man in this world about anything that belongs to 
the next." 

Almost his first act after selecting the site on the banks of the 
Delaware for the chief city of his new State was the purchase from 
the surrounding Indian tribes of part of the lands which they claimed 
and the ratification with them of a treaty of friendship and peace 
which while he lived was never broken by either party. 

The city which he selected was destined, in the providence of God, 
to become the theater of two of the grandest events in the drama of 
history, one the Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776, the other 
the formation of the Constitution of the United States. September 
17. 1787. 

The Quaker Association, of Philadelphia, was the first religious 
organization on the American continent to declare slave-holding in- 
compatible with membership in the Church of the living God; and 
the General Assembly of Pennsylvania was the first of the colonies 
to prohibit slavery by law. 

These were the first fruits of Penn's teachings of justice and uni- 
versal liberty. His was the first instance in the history of coloniza- 




HON. GALL'SHA A. ({ROW, 






tion from the time the Israelites first drove the inhabitants out of the 
promised land that the native population had not been forcibly ex- 
pelled or slain by the invading and stronger race. 

After the ratification of Perm's treaty under the elm of Shacka- 
maxon (now Kensington, Philadelphia) a hundred years passed away 
before the first settlers penetrated the dense forest along this northern 
boundary of his territory. 

North of us was the country of the Iroquois — the Six Nations — 
the most powerful Indian confederacy on the continent. Their Long 
House reached the Hudson on the east and Lake Erie on the west, 
with the Mohawk River through its center. They made use of the 
waters of the Susquehanna, the Tioga and Allegheny Rivers for 
( anoe navigation in passing from one end of this Long House to the 
other. At Tioga Point, now Athens, the confluence of the Tioga 
and Susquehanna Rivers, and at the three apple trees here just on the 
other bank of the river, the warriors of this mighty confederacy were 
wont to meet and decide the grave questions of peace and war. A 
little way above the apple trees was the chosen burying-ground of 
their dead. 

South of us was the country of theLeni Lenapes — Delawares — the 
next most powerful Indian confederacy. Along the boundary line 
of these two warring Indian powers the first settlers of Susquehanna 
County made their homes. A hundred years have passed away and 
their descendants must now go two thousand miles toward the setting 
sun to catch the first notes of Indian war-songs that then echoed along 
these hills and valleys. 

While the pioneer settlers were building their rude cabins in these 
primeval forests the ships of commerce, uninterrupted by law. were 
transporting men, women and children from their native African 
homes, and cupidity was consigning them to cruel bondage on 
American soil. To-day the sun in his course across the continent 
no longer rises on a master or sets on a slave. 

Then the world was without telegraph or railroad. To-day the 
lightnings of heaven bear men messages of business, of joy and of 
sorrow round the world in the twinkling of an eye, and trade belts 
the globe with its rail and steel bands, along which the locomotive, 
with almost lightning speed, hurls the commerce of nations. 

In a new country the first and most important labor, as it is the 
most difficult to be performed, is to subdue the forest and convert 
the lair of the wild beast into a home for civilized man. This is 
the labor of the pioneer settler. His achievements, if not equally 
brilliant with those of the plumed warrior, are equally, if not more, 
lasting ; his life, if not at times exposed to so great hazard, is still 
one of equal danger and death. It is a life of toil and adventure 
spent upon one continued battle-field, unlike that, however, on 
which martial hosts contend, for there the struggle is short and ex- 



pe< ted, and the victim strikes not alone, while the highest meed of 
ambition crowns the victor. Not so with the hardy pioneer. He 
is oft called upon to meet death in a struggle with fearful odds, 
while no herald will tell to the world of the unequaled combat. 
Startled at the midnight hour by the war-whoop, he wakes from his 
dreams to behold his cottage in flames ; the sharer of his joys and 
sorrows, with perhaps a tender infant hurled, with rude hands, to 
the distant council-fire. Still he presses on into the wilderness, 
snatching new areas from the wild beast, and bequeathing them a 
legacy to civilized man. 

He falls leading the van of civilization along untrodden paths, 
and is buried in the dust of its advancing columns. No monument 
marks the scene of deadly strife ; no stone his resting place ; the 
winds sighing through the branches of the forest alone sing his 
requiem. Yet such are the meritorious men of the Republic — the 
men who give it strength in war and glory in peace. The achieve- 
ments of our pioneer army from the day they first drove back the 
Indian tribes from the Atlantic seaboard to the present hour have 
been the achievements of science and civilization over the elements, 
the wilderness, and the savage. 

Rigorously by his privationsand unyielding energy we have to-day 
a great empire of free States, the grandest monument ever reared to 
the political wisdom of man, and when he has covered this whole 
continent with abodes of civilized life, the genius of liberty and 
the spirit of free institutions, seizing the standard of the Republic, 
will bear it across the mighty deep to regenerate old dynasties and 
breathe new life into decayed empires. 

Of Susquehanna County, its pioneers, settlers and their decend- 
ants it may be said, as it was said of the island of Ithaca, by 
Ulysses in his farewell to King Alcinous on his departure for his 
home at the end of his seven years wanderings after the fall of Troy. 

1 ow lies our isle, yet bless'd in fruitful stores ; 
Strong are her sons, though rocky are her shores. 

The three cheers for Mr. Grow, which President Lusk called for as 
the Ex-Speaker finished, made the welkin ring in a manner that 
proved how warm a place he has in the hearts of his fellow-citizens. 
Here it might be proper to state that it was upon the very spot 
where Mr. Crow had just spoken that he delivered his famous maiden 
speech fort) -three years ago. 

A selection by the grand < hoir, the " Gipsy Chorus,"' was finel) 
given and President Lusk then introduced Governor Beaver, saying : 
"In the Spring of 1861 ayoungmanleft Centre County, in this State, as 
a second lieutenant of a companyof infantry. From the position first 
assigned him in the war for the Union he rose step by step until he 



became General James A. Beaver. When in the army he not only 
won the star of a general, but he won a badge more sacred to this 
people, having lost a foot and a part of a leg in the line of duty. T 
now introduce to you General Beaver as the Governor of the Com- 
monwealth of Pennsylvania, and ask for three rousing cheers for the 
patriot and statesman," which were given with such a burst of en- 
thusiasm as to be very flattering, even to the ruler of a great Com- 
monwealth. 

Governor Beaver's Address. 

My Friends and Fellow-Citizens: I gratefully appreciate the 
invitation, which is given me to join in the interesting exercises of 
this Centennial occasion. Important official engagements prevented 
my taking part in the exercises of yesterday, which to me promised 
to be the most interesting of the series of public services which mark 
this event in your local history. I desire to come here as a learner and 
not as a teacher. The historical address which has already been de- 
livered by your worthy administrator of public justice (Judge Mc- 
Collum) would have given me, as it gave to you, much of the informa- 
tion which I desired to have in regard to the first settlement of this 
interesting portion of our great Commonwealth. We are such a prac- 
tical people that we fail to make the proper use and learn the proper 
lessons from such events as you celebrate and perpetuate in these ex- 
ercises. [At this point a band near the bridge commenced playing, 
and some one suggesting that the band be notified to stop, the Governor 
said, " You can't stop a brass band. I've tried that lots of times." 
Soon the playing ceased and the Governor remarked, " Now we got 
through that better than I expected," and then continued his ad- 
dress.] 

The first settlement on the banks of the Susquehanna within the 
limits of what is now Susquehanna County was an important event 
for the entire region. Coming as it did at the close of our great 
struggle for independence, when our nationality was secured, and 
when the ability of the nation to maintain itself as a power among 
the nations of the earth was the experiment on trial, it not only 
tended to enlarge the boundaries of civilization, but it was itself a 
challenge as well to the rude forces and formidable obstacles of nat- 
ure as to the native Indians who still frequented the region. The 
battles of our Revolutionary fathers had been fought and won. The 
great battle of civilization against the untoward forces which opposed 
its progress was to be fought out upon this outpost as well as upon 
the longer skirmish line which bounded at that time the western borders 
of our great country. All experience shows that each and every gen- 
eration must fight its own battles. It may be a war for independ- 
ence ; it may be a war for mere physical existence ; it may be a war 



H4 

against the forests of the frontiers or the wild forces of untamed 
nature ; it may be a war for mere territorial aggrandizement or it 
may be a war in defense of the inalienable rights of the citizen, or 
one in which the integrity of the Constitution and the maintenance 
of the laws are at stake. All of these different kinds of warfare have 
been waged by the American people, and in the main waged success 
fully. Each generation has had its share of such warfare, and the 
generation which is just now passing away will be long remembered 
for the great struggle in which it was engaged. And yet, notwith- 
standing all these conflicts fought to successful issues in the past, we 
are to-day facing new questions and challenged to wage a great bat- 
tle in defense of our established and welbloved institutions. The 
great conflicts of the world have not all been conflicts of armed men 
set in battle array against each other. The story of liberty, written 
in so many different chapters, tells as much of the conflict of ideas as 
of that of arms. And so, my friends, looking to the future, although 
we need scarcely apprehend the setting of squadrons in the field to 
settle the battlesof this generation, they will be none the less real, none 
the less earnest, none the less necessary, and none the less vital than 
those of the generation which is just now regarded as being num- 
bered, to a great extent, with the past. 

The forces which war against our social institutions, which would 
uproot the very theories upon which the first settlement was made on 
yonder river side, and which Ozias Strong and his family brought 
with him when he struck his ax into the first tree and turned the 
first furrow with his rude plow, are all involved in the struggle. Under 
which flag is still the great question ? The past conflict to which 1 
have referred was a question of the supremacy of the Stars and Stripes 
or of the Stars and liars. The question in the coming struggle is as 
to the supremacy of "Old ( dory." which you have so liberally given 
to the breeze in all your decorations, or of the red flag which is car 
ried in our great cities as the emblem of the cause in which all the 
enemies of social order and of existing institutions in the United 
States are marshaled. The issue involves our peace, our prosperity, 
and the perpetuation of our Government itself. It is whether or not 
tne America of the fathers is to be the America of their sons. 
Whether the institutions established by the new-comers of the May- 
flower and tin- Welcome shall continue to prevail, or whether the 
communistic and socialistic influences of other new-comers of later 
date shall take their place. The Christian Sabbath, with all its at- 
tendant helps and blessings, the family circle, with all its hallowed 
associations and comforts, the common school, with its mighty up- 
lifting in intelligence and training, the integrity of the corner-stone 
of the Republic, based upon life, liberty, and the pursuit of happi- 
ness—which involves the idea of property to be earned and held 
and enjoyed by him who is ready to wage with success the battle of 
life — all these are involved. 



"5 

There is no question as to the feeling which you and all communi- 
ties like yours have upon this subject. You stand by the old tradi- 
tions ; you want no change in these established institutions ; and yet 
there may be a question as to whether or not you feel so profoundly 
upon the subject as to move to the assistance of our great centers of 
population, whose vital interests are threatened by the influences 
which are sloughed off from other countries and which find their nat- 
ural home in our populous cities. A community which boasts, as 
yours does, such a multitude of those whom you are pleased to call 
; - first settlers," who in order to entitle themselves to the honor of 
such an appellation must be at least seventy years old and have lived 
within the limits of Susquehanna County for forty years, who have 
been honored as these venerable men and women have been honored 
to-day by the sweet and hospitable attentions of the beautiful young 
ladies who administered to their comfort in the adjoining tent ; a 
community which is blessed by the counsels of such men and women, 
and which bows down with reverence before the hoary head, is not 
likely to be carried away by the false and pernicious views of life 
which are just now agitating other portions of our country. You 
may not be in immediate danger from influences of this sort ; and 
yet' if the experience of the past teaches us anything worth remem- 
bering it is that no member of the body-politic can suffer without 
every member suffering with it. It therefore behooves us to be alive 
to the great questions which present themselves for our consideration, 
whether they affect us directly and immediately or not. It behooves 
us in this great battle of ideas and of principles to range ourselves 
upon the "side of right, of truth, of purity, and of justice, so that 
that influence may be felt in every possible way for the promotion of 
the general welfare of the entire country. 

1 "have no fears as to your attitude on the great social questions 
which confront us ; and what is here said is not in the way of argu- 
ment to convince you as to your duty, but simply in the way of ad- 
monition, so that our attitude may be understood and our influence 
exerted in every proper way. 

In the prayer with which our devotions were led at the beginning 
of these public exercises to-day there was an allusion made to the 
worship of God "with none to molest." Are you sure that there 
are not to-day in this country organized bodies of men whose main 
bond of union is the desire to break down the American idea of the 
Sabbath, and thus to molest and to overturn, if possible, the worship 
of the God whose presence and blessing have been invoked upon us 
in this service? The fact of such organization is well known, and 
the mere statement of the fact is all that is necessary to range the 
law-abiding citizens of Susquehanna County upon the side of right. 

One who addressed a recent soldiers' encampment greatly regretted 
that he was not old enough to take part in the defense of our country 



i 1 6 

in the late war. But he and such as he are old enough now to take 
an earnest and intelligent part in maintaining and promoting the 
principles which that war and all other similar wars, whether of bul- 
lets or ballots, successfully waged in the past have established and 
maintained. There is another consideration which prompts us to 
the vigorous assertion of our attitude upon this and all other great 
moral questions. When wrong is met at the outset by the vigorous 
and determined opposition of those who are banded together for the 
right, there is little danger of its assuming such proportions as will 
require the suppressing and coercive measures of the strong-mailed 
hand. 

It is not my purpose, nor is it perhaps proper that 1 should enter 
into the discussion of such questions as these at greater length. They 
are of vital interest, and you have shown by your attitude and ear- 
nest attention that you are interested in them ; and in discussing and 
dealing with them 1 feel assured that the good county of Susque- 
hanna and its liberty-loving, law-abiding people will be found in the 
front rank battling for the right. 

You have by the remarks of your chairman, and in various other 
ways very agreeable to me, expressed your pleasure iri my presence 
here to-day. 1 certainly have as much pleasure in being present. I 
expected mutual enjoyment, and if you have had as much as 1 it has 
truly been a very pleasant day to us all. 



The bong Meter Doxology was then sung by the grand choir, and 
as the vast multitude joined in the singing the scene became inspiring. 
The exercises of the day at the grand stand were concluded by the 
Rev. Reuben N. Ives, of Binghamton, offering a benediction. 

The Planting oi the Centennial Tree. 

The Governor never seeming to weary in his efforts to please the 
people and meet the demands of the Reception Committee then re- 
paired to thespot where the Centennial Tree was to be planted, which 
was about twenty feet west of the Log Cabin. A sturdy young elm 
had been carefully selected from an adjoining mountain by Dr. F. D. 
I. anil), and as he had prepared a place for its planting, all was in 
readiness when the < rovernor arrived. As soon as it was known what 
was transpiring, an immense throng of people collected in Susque- 
hanna avenue to witness the ceremonies When the Governor ap- 
proached the tree he threw away his crutches, quietly pulled up his 
i sleeves, and took a firm hold of the young elm, examining it 
carefully, saving: '-That is a line tree, and it ought to flourish in 



this generous soil." After pulling some dirt and rich sods around 
the roots, down he went upon his knees and commenced pressing the 
soil carefully and firmly about the rootlets. " Planting trees is one 
of my pet hobbies," said he, " and perhaps I can teach some of you 
how it ought to be done." It was evident by this time that the Gov- 
ernor intended to plant the Centennial Elm himself. ' ' He works like 
a beaver," said an enthusiastic bystander. "'That's the man for 
these United States," shouted a patriotic Hibernian. "•Governor, 
you are getting your cuffs covered with mud," interposed another. 
• Oh, they'll wash," replied the General, good-naturedly. 

When he had finished packing the soil about the roots Judge Jessup 
handed a hoe to a small boy, saying: " Pull some dirt around this 
tree, my lad, and tell your grand and great grandchildren that you 
helped Governor Beaver plant it, and charge them to protect it until 
the second centennial." " That's good," said the Governor, enthu- 
siastically, and added : "'Plant more elms here, so that when the 
bi-centennial of your splendid county comes the people can gather 
under their generous shack- 
When the tree was planted, the Governor turned to Justice C. M. 
Simmons, the burgess of Hallstead, and to Charles Simpson, the 
president of the town council, and said : " Gentlemen, I hope you 
will see that this Centennial Tree is properly cared for and pro- 
tected," and they assured him that his request would be complied 
with. 

During the planting of the tree the enthusiasm of the people be- 
came boundless, so that when General Beaver left the spot he received 
one continuous hand-shaking ovation until he reached the Mitchell 
House, and hundreds swarmed into the reception parlors and were 
kindly greeted there. 

The happy suggestion of planting the Centennial Tree was made 
by Mrs. James T. Du Bois, and it is hoped that it may grow to be- 
come a landmark of Hallstead and the mecca of the good citizens of 
the county in centennial days to come. 

At 7 o'clock in the evening Governor Beaver and the Hon. Galusha 
A. Grow were driven by S. S. Wright to Spring Farm, where they 
witnessed the fireworks, the illumination of the mountain and spent 
the night, leaving the next morning at 8 o'clock for Montrose, ac- 
companied by Judge Jessup, to attend the annual meeting of the 
State Board of Agriculture. 



nS 

We take the liberty hereof introducing an amusing incident which 
irred at Spring Farm during the Governor's and Mr. Grow s 
sojourn there. As the Governor crossed the threshold of the Spring 
Farm home he was greeted by Henry, the little two-and-a half-year- 
old son of the owner of the place, who seeing a one-legged man for 
the first time, cried out in German, which he lias been taught to speak. 
" Herr, wo ist dein andreen Bein?" (Mister, where is your other 
leg?) The Governor seemed puzzled at first, and the little fellow 
seeing that he had not been understood said, " Mister, where is your 
other leg?" The Governor laughed heartily, and putting aside his 
crutches, seated himself by the blazing old-fashioned fire-place, and 
taking the small boy on his knee, said, " My little friend, I will tell 
you where my other leg is. A long time ago there was a very cruel 
war in which men shot at and often killed each other. One day a 
man must have shot toward me, for a ball came crushing into my 
leg, breaking the bones and making and ugly wound. It hurt me 
very much, and some kind friends sent for a surgeon, who came with 
a big knife and cut my poor leg off. Then some men took it out 
into the field, dug a deep hole in the ground, and, putting the leg 
into it, covered it up, and there 1 suppose it has remained unto this 
very day." As no expression of sympathy came from the little fel- 
low, his father asked him if he were not sorry for the Governor, to 
which he answered " Nein " ( no). " Why not?" inquired the father. 
And the small boy coolly replied . " Weil ergut genug auf einem Bein 
geht" (Because he goes well enough on one leg). The Governor, 
laughing, said, "That is the best compliment paid me today." 

Tin. Closing Scenes ok a Great Day. 

As night fell upon the place her sable robes were illumined by the 
brilliant lights which Hashed from swinging lamps and flaming 
torches and bright windows everywhere. 

All day long nearly twenty thousand people had been harbored and 
entertained within the borders of the little borough without a disturb- 
ance of the public peace, while everywhere order and good nature 
ailed. All day long an unbroken line of men, women and 
children moved patiently through the Relic Hall without molesting 
a single article which that treasure-house contained. All day long 
the air was tilled with a swelling tide of harmony from divers count} 



ii9 

bands. All day long the people had mingled with each other in a 
spirit of fraternal love and good will, feeling that it was essentially 
their jubilee, and that it must pass unmarred by any disturbing- 
element. They had met upon historic grounds to celebrate an 
historic event and seemed proudly resolved to force history to com- 
mend their actions. 

Standing near the Centennial Log Cabin, just before the final fiery 
act was played and casting a glance in every direction, what an in- 
spiring sight met the gaze. Every inch of space was a mass of surg- 
ing humanity bursting with good cheer. The streets were literally a 
condensation of mankind ; the housetops were freighted ; the bal< o 
nies groaned under their tremendous burdens ; the bridge swayed 
with its ponderous cargo ; the long reaches of the illuminated river- 
shore swarmed with a great throng of people and all were waiting 
patiently for the pyrotechnic hour to come. 

Suddenly, at half past seven, the booming of a deep-mouthed 
cannon told the multitude that the hour had arrived when the final 
scene in the centennial drama was to occur. 

A flash, a red glare, a long and curving light in the heavens, a 
grand bursting of brilliant colors, which dimmed for a moment the 
eternal torches of the starry way, commenced a pyrotechnic pro- 
gramme of sublime splendor. 

While the eyes of nearly twenty thousand people were drinking in 
the firey galaxies on the northern shore of the silent river a whizzing 
arrow of light darted from the summit of Mount Manotonome— a re- 
splendent warning that the event of the evening was at hand. Hurry- 
ing quick, another bright-winged arrow went hissing heavenward, and, 
as if by magic, a swelling tide of red lire swept along the wooded base 
of the mountain. Then half way up the rocky face, touched as it 
were by the fire-tongs of electricity, a far-extending chain of lurid 
light sprang into life and spread its scarlet mantle over all the steep. 
A wierd wild flame had kissed the brow of Manotonome. and where 
the kiss fell there spread a widening blush of crimson glory until the 
sable heights had flashed into living gems of beauty. Scarcely had 
this ruddy wave of splendor passed over the mountain when a (Town 
of emerald fire encircled the summit and from out its rugged crest 
burst a dazzling mass of fire-balls, which, darting high toward the 
zenith, fell like a storm of meteors upon Manotonome's front. A 



I zo 

ringing shout of wonder and admiration swept over the vast multi- 
tude in the valley, but ere its sounds had died away the pall of dark- 
ness again covered the mountain. The end had come — a splendid 
climax to a day large with undying memories. 

And that great flood-tide of humanity, which poured into the 
town with the sunrise, now set their faces toward their respective 
homes and almost every one went straight forward. 
Tallies of the Third Day. 

The following gives the number of tickets sold at some of the rail- 
way stations during the Centennial : 

Susquehanna, 2,844: Montrose depot. 285; Factor yvi lie, 20; 
Nicholson, 125; Kingsley, 327; New Milford, 1,391. Reports 
from the other stations we have been unable to obtain. 

The serenade by Bauer's band in front of the residence of C. J. 
1 .angley was in honor of Mrs. W. F. Hallstead and friends and the 
Jessups, who were invited guests of Mr. Langley and wife. 

Dr. Walter A. Brooks and Andrew Sheak, of Binghamton, volun- 
teered to help to make the illumination of Mount Manotonome a 
brilliant success. 

Susquehanna County should be profoundly grateful to Montrose 
and Susquehanna for the part they took in the great parade. 

Every newspaper in the county had fine reports of the events of 
the three Centennial days. 

Nearly every hamlet and town in the county seemed depopulated 
on Centennial Wednesday. 

The only serious accident that occurred was one broken leg, be- 
longing to Eugene Johnson, of Lathrop He received it at the 
pavillion in the park. Dr. Lamb attended the unfortunate man. 

Joseph Osterhout had charge of the Centennial Register at the Log 
Cabin. Seven hundred and fifty names were written in the register. 
It lias been placed among the archives of the county at Montrose, 
and will be preserved for the bi-centennial. 

I >rs. I'. H. Gardner and E. R. Gardner, of Clifford; Lowry, of 
Harford; Tiffany, of Brackne) ; Ainey, of Brooklyn, were present 
during the Centennial, as were also Drs. Emily C. Wells and C. C. 
Edwards, of Binghamton. 

The work performed on Centennial Wednesday by ('. ('. Sim- 
mons, station agent of the 1).. 1,. & W. Railway at Hallstead would 



nave set a dozen nervous men wild. Station Agent Emmons, at the 
Erie station in Great Bend Borough, had also, perhaps, the busiest 
day of his railroad experience. 

Marshals H. C. Jessup, Paul Barriger, W. H. Telford, Dr. Win. 
Rogers, D. N. Hardy, and W. A. Southwell organized and com- 
manded their respective divisions in a manner which told of experi- 
ence, skill, and tact. 

The handsome piano used at the grand stand was furnished hy A. 
M. Bronson, of Susquehanna. 

The Log Cabin was purchased by James T. Du Bois. who will 
endeavor to preserve it for the bi-centennial. 

The splendid discipline of the different bands of the county was a 
revelation. Probably no county in the State with an equal popula- 
tion can furnish so man}' excellent musical organizations to a cele- 
bration. 

Over two tons of provisions were consumed in Hallstead during 
the Centennial, and yet hungry people could be found. 

Lawyer T. J. Davis, of Montrose, is said to have contributed the 
oldest relic. It was a hammered plate three thousand years old, 
which the sister of Mrs. Davis brought from Damascus. 

The Tuscarora Indians wanted the Centennial pocket-book, so they 
were not invited to come. 

( hving to a misunderstanding about constructing the Merrimac and 
Monitor, and the non-arrival of the Thomson Artillery, the great 
naval battle did not take pla< e. 

The committee invited the Cardiff Giant to be present, but he 
showed the same stony indifference for which he has always been 
noted. 

The illumination of Manotonome was seen twenty miles away. 
The following is as complete a list of the members of the grand 
chorus as it has been possible to obtain : 

Dr. A. K. Harroun, director; Miss Clara Hubbell, pianist. 
Dimock. — Win. Baker, Mrs. Wm. Baker. Harford. — Mrs. Lee 
Tiffany, Mrs. J. A. Sophia, Prof. J. A. Sophia. Hallstead. — Rev. 
M. J. Watkins, Rev. H. J. Roberts, E. R. Mason, Mrs. John Tyler, 
Miss Jessie Harris, Miss Jennie Barnes, Miss Nellie Krum. Frank- 
////.— Mr. and Mrs. R. W. Smith, Mr. and Mrs. A. D. Fish, Mr. 
and Mrs. O. H. Summers. Gibson. — Gertie E. Resseguie, Matie 



Manzer. Hopbotto?n. — Miss Myrtie Carpenter, Mrs A. W. Miles. 
A. W. Miles, George C. Finn. Montrose. — Miss Irene Raynsford, 
* Miss J. Hawley, Miss J. Foster. Miss Ella Smith, Miss A. Harring- 
ton, Mrs. J. W. Benjamin, George Jessup, Dr. B. Lathrop. Rush. — 
Mrs. O. S. Swan, M. B. Perigo. New Mil ford. — Rev. J. F. Warner. 
Miss Lonie Shay, Miss Mamie Trumble, Miss Ellen Fagan, Miss 
Lettie L. Tennant, Mrs. T. J. Dean, Mrs. H. McDuffer, Mrs. J. 1 . 
Warner, George Shay, David Pritchard. Springville. — Miss Jennie 
Wakelee. Susquehanna. — Miss Julia Curtis, Miss Emma Bourne, 
Miss Lulu Pope, Miss Flora Tingley, Mrs. A. G. Tait, Mrs. H. A. 
Dillion, Mrs. James Seddon, Mrs. A. Burton, Mrs. John Mooney, 
Mrs. O. H. Simmons, J. B. Fenner, Archie Cook, J. Clark, jr., V. 
Blackburn. Thomson. — A. H. Crosier, Mrs. A. H. Crosier. F. E. 
Bennett, Mrs. Anna Blackman. Birchardville. — L. T. Birchard. 

Professor Thatcher, of Binghamton, also assisted in the chorus 
work. Rehearsals were held at Susquehanna, South Gibson, New 
Millford, Hallstead, Rush, and Montrose. 

While the venerable Judge Chapman, of Montrose, now in his 
84th year, was at the Relic Hall he paused before a case in which lay 
an ancient-looking Bible. Pointing to the sacred volume he re- 
marked, "That is the first bible 1 ever saw." Several strangers who 
stood near by looked at him in amazement, and seemed astonished to 
find an old man of respectable appearance who had never seen a Bible 
before. The judge then quickly added, with a smile, "It belonged 
to my mother." The strangers heaved a deep sigh of relief and com- 
menced an examination of a few of the many things that ' ' came over 
in the Mayflower." 

Captain Beardsley, Camp 168, Sons of Veterans, consisted of 28 
uniformed men, and their appearance in the parade made a fine im- 
pression. 

Mrs. lames T. I )u Bois made a number of aprons from the muslin 
used at the Banquet as table cloth, and presented them to the ladies 
as souvenirs. 

The great ball given by die railroad men at the Mitchell House on 
Wednesday evening was thronged during a large portion of the night. 
It took place in the spacious dining hall which had been erected to 
accommodate the Centennial visitors. 

Miss Sarah Jones, the author of the Centennial Hymn, died at her 
home in Harford on the 12th of December, just two months after her 



sweet hymn, sang by the grand chorus, thrilled the hearts of the vast 
audience which surrounded the grand stand on Governor's day. 

Mrs. S. B. Chase, chairman of the Relic Committee, in a letter 
dated the 13th of December, wrote: " I have just finished the corre- 
spondence necessary to get the relics safely back to rightful owners 
and hope that everything is now adjusted. It has taken quite an 
amount of writing, but everything has been found" 

Centennial Fund Contributors. 

The following is as complete a list of the contributors to the (Jen 
tennial fund as it has been in our power to obtain. It contains 
about twelve hundred names. Without the material aid thus ren- 
dered the splendid programme would never have been executed. 
All honor therefore to those whose names are found upon this list : 
Auburn — D. C. Titman, Committeeman. 
Brooklyn — C. J. Lathrop, Committeeman. 



( >. M. Doloway. 
]. O. Bullard. 
S. B. Eldridge. 
William C raver. 

B. O. Watrous. 
Edwin Tiffany. 
Moses Caldwell. 
F. H. Tiffany. 
J. F. Doran. 

A. C. Doloway. 
T. E. Shadduck. 
E. T. Tiffany. 
A. S. Waldec. 
Isaac Van Auken. 
A. W. Kent. 
E. R. McKinney. 
A. J. Ainey. 
H. H. Craver. 
L. B. Tiffany. 

C. Rogers. 

P. H. Tiffany. 
J. D. Peckham. 
J. W. Adams. 
W. L. Sterling. 
A. Chamberlin. 
J. M. Kent. 
C. H. Tiffany. 



E. A. Weston. 
Frank Tewksbury. 
Ed. Tewksbury. 
J. L. Peckham. 
Lyman Sherman. 
L. Tewksbury. 
Perry Sweet. 
W. H. Tiffany. 
Dell Calph. 
E. D. Bell. 
Charles F. Goodrich. 
S. E. Tiffany. 
G. N. Smith. 
C. C. Burch. 
N. C. Benjamin. 
H. L. Bailey. 

E. S Hine." 

F. Whipple. 
William P. Bailey. 
Charles Kent. 
Obediah Bailey. 
John R. Ely. 

F. M. Sterling. 
A. J. Smith. 
T. C. Miller. 
R. W. Kent. 
I. R. Kent. 



124 



B. L. Woodward. 
I. S. Tewksbury. 
A. E. Tewksbury. 
E. P. Bailey. 
R. L. Gere. 
Connor Stevens. 
Charles Bailey. 
L. Bailey. 

Bridgewatf.r— M. 
H. H. Harrington. 
John Van Allen. 
W. H. Harrington. 
J. C. Harrington. 
E. M. Tiffany. 
Kirby Bunnell. 
H. Brewster. 
W. H. Stark. 
A. McCollum. 
Jared Pickett. 
Ira Foster. 
David Kimber. 
J. F. Gardner. 

Clifford — Dr. 
CD. Finn. 
Silas W. Williams. 
Will Greene. 
Ira J. Wetherby. 
Walter M. Leek. 
Eugene K. Miller 

C. H. Horton. 
Peter Rivenburg. 
S. E. Lowry. 
S. E. Finn. 
Win. A Miller. 
I'. W. Atkinson. 
William Bennett. 
I lenry Bennett. 
I!. F. Bennett. 
John Watkins. 
< Clifford Literary Union. 
John Halstead. 
J. M. Callender. 
I'. II. Gardner. 
J. G. Wetherby. 
I Iiram Rivenbure', 



R. Sterling. 
Edwin Mack. 
Arthur Mack. 
Ed. Eldridge. 
George Gere. 
I. Gere. 
R. (X Miles. 

J. Harrington, Committeeman. 
W. F. Gardner. 
Spencer Watrous. 
John Carter. 
W. E. Babcock. 
John Hunter. 
E. H. Pickering. 
C. E. Tyler. 
X. A. Lindsley. 
C. J. Curtis. 
S. Swindleman. 

A. S. Jewett. 
T. D. "Carter. 

E. R. Gardner, Committeeman. 
Jefferson Hobbs. 
J. B. Burdick. 
Mrs. J. B. Felts. 
Emery G. Greene. 
Judson 1. Tripp. 

B. F. Wells. 
L. W. White. 
William H. Hasbrou. k 
William Hasbrouck. 
L. B. Lewis. 
1). L. Stevens. 
John Stevens. 
J. W. Lowry. 
Ezra Coleman. 
T. W. Reeder. 
Wesley Reeder. 
Beeley Peck. 
S A. Halstead. 

o. t. riuii. 

Grant Stevens. 
John Tinker. 

Annie Thomas. 



i 2 5 



James C. Decker. 
Perry Yarnes. 
John Bolton. 
J. B. Stevens. 
Peter Bennett. 
S. C. Stevens. 
C. M. Hunter. 
M A. Gardner. 
William D. Horton. 
John H. Carey. 
O. E. Barney. 



J. C. Wells. 
Samuel Arnold. 
j. R. Bell. 
Reese Hughes. 
F. A. Davies. 
William Jones. 
George Gi fiord. 
John Jones. 
David Anthony. 
William Richards. 
Samuel Owens. 



Franklin. — F. A. Smith, Committeeman. 



W. C. Smith. 
P. S. Dearborn. 
J. L. Merriman. 
S. A. Smith. 
E. H. Merriman. 
R. W. Smith. 
E. L. Beebe. 
N. P. Wheaton. 



J. C. Wheaton. 
Geo. Stockholm. 
S. H. Stockholm. 
B. B. Hendrick. 
H. J. Deakin. 
E. B. Hendrick. 
W. A. Smith. 



Friendsville. — Richard Foran, Committeeman. 



Rev. Father John J. Lally. 
Dr. E. L. Hendrick. 

B. B. Buffun. 
P. H. Trodden. 
Michael Dow. 

A. M. O'Donnell. 
Robt. Winters. 

E. E. Lee. 
R. Gillin. 

Gibson. — George E. 

Hon. Wm. Maxey. 
G. G. Woodward. 

C. W. Resseguie. 
Wm. Rogers. 

J. J- Manning. 
H. D. Pickering. 
C. L. Bennett. 

B. 1). Reynolds. 
T. C. Manzer. 
Ceo. B. Tiffany. 

F. E. Baldwin. 
W. X Reese. 



Edward McDevitt. 
fames Smith. 
S. R. Bunts. 
Richard Rooney. 
Thomas Campbell. 
James Rahilly. 
Patrick Matthews. 
Chas Hamlin. 
Mrs. James E. Carmalt. 

Resseguie, Committeeman. 

G. H. Edwards. 
Fred. Terwilliger. 
Fred. Hendrickson. 

C. K. Edwards. 
F. D. Bennett. 
Wm. Clark. 
LA. Sweet. 
W. D. Foster. 
J. B. Claffin. 

A. C. Vangorden. 

D. E. Whitney. 
C. Lupton. 



[26 



Will J. Lamb. 
Will H. Esterbroob 
E. L. Hill. 
E. A. Sweet. 
E. H. Sweet. 
C. A. Sweet. 
Will Hendrickson. 
Gene Lamb. 
A. C. Sweet. 



Lines Green. 
L. W. Gillespie. 
Almon Sweet, 
[ohn J. Patter. 
H. Webber. 
N. C. Curtis. 
Seth Abel. 
H. A. Barrett. 



Great Bend Town t ship. — James T. Du Bois, Committeeman. 



S. S. Wright. 
H. S. Barnes. 

A. W. Hallstead. 
G. A. Adams. 
W. Green. 

Mrs. J. N. Green. 
G. B. Smith. 
L. Doolittle. 
F. S. Barnes. 
M. S. Lowe. 
Henry Mericle. 

B. P. Tewksbury. 
D. J. Lindsley. 
Chas. Warner. 

B. E. Smith. 
B. Hatchings. 
N. S. Corwin. 



W. M. Knoeller. 
Wm. H. Miller. 
John Austin. 
G. W. Decker. 
J. H. Osterhout. 
P. R. Barriger. 
A. T. Trowbridge. 
A. G. Brush. 
S. L. Beavan. 
Wm. W. Roose. 
H. M. Parks. 
C. B. Dixon. 
H. H. Williams. 
C. D. Smith. 
C. L. Van Antwerp. 
C. E. Vanness. 
J. Carson. 



Great Bend Borough. — T. D. Estaiiroors, Committeeman 



B. C. Raitt. 

J. W. Dusenbury. 
J W. Sackett. 
F. D. Clauss. 

C. S. Hamlin. 
F. A. Blatchlev. 
E. P. Hines. 

W . W. Crandall. 
J. W. Larrabee. 
( '. B. Woodward. 
I ). \Y. Fredenburg. 
Wm. Newman. 
Thos. (Connelly. 
M. Holdich. 
W. T. Estabrooks. 
W. A. Colsten. 



E. Gill. 
H. Terboss. 
R. Ferguson. 
S. P. More. 
S. T. Kistler. 
O. A. Lines. 
P. H. Lines. 
H. Ackert. 
j. H. Dusenbury. 
L N. Sackett. 
C. J. Waldron. 
L. W. Chichester. 
A. Arnold. 
A. L. Reckhow. 
V. Reckhow. 
J no. Foster. 



Geo. McNamara. 


Michael Barry. 


T. W. Daniher. 


Michael Kilrow. 


E. R. W. Searle. 


F. D. Clauss. 


Harford- 


-Lee Tiffany, Committeem 


\\ . I. Tinker. 


W. Jeffers. 


B. Sweetsen. 


Horace Sweet. 


H. M. Seley. 


Geo. W. Tiffanv. 


F. P. Forsyth. 


S. j. Adams. 


AH. Rynerson. 


Warren Jones. 


( ). G. Coughlin. 


A. ]. Adams. 


j. M. Harding. 


E. j. Whitney. 


C. H. Stearns. 


A. M. Leslie.' 


Wallace Gow. 


E. Elbercht. 


G. J- Tingley. 


F. A. Barnard. 


L. R. Peck. 


D. Van Busk irk. 


(i. R. Resseguie. 


G. D. Nash. 


M.S. Al worth. 


F. P. Tingley. 


James Rogers. 


O. Grinnell. 


C. D. Ransom. 


E. C. Capron. 


B. F. Hine. 


A. M. Aldrich. 


S. J. Lott. 


A. T. Sweet. 


H. Brown. 


Freeman Tingley 


A. H. Harding. 


E. M. Tingley. 


Y. G. Follett. 


Fred Tingley. 


S. E. Dunn. 


Mason Tingley. 


G. A. Lindsey. 


H. I). Tingley. 


Almon Tingley. 


Z. W. Moore.' 


Alvin Stearns. 


Nestor Light. 


W. S. Sophia. 


H. G. Adams. 


D. M. Farrar. 


H. A. Robbins. 


W. J. Lowry. 


C. H. Miller. 


< ). C. Tallman. 


E. M. Osborn. 


C. S. Johnston. 


O. Payne. 


J. C. Tanner. 


E. Van Loan. 


E. T. Tiffany. 


W. Osterhout. 


i). L. Hine. 


W. E. Reynolds. 


W. R. Blakeslee. 


H. Esterbrook. 


Frank Wilmarth. 


W. B. Guile. 


HOPBOTTOM- 


— W. P. Crandall, Commiti 


E. M. Tiffany. 


E. E. Tower. 


< ). A. Johnston. 


A. E. Peck. 


A. N. Miles. 


A. Titus. 


Thomas Stewart. 


Elisha Bell. 


C. A. Miller. 


(). D. Roberts. 



128 



M. L. Tiffany. 
J. E. Sanders. 
G. W. Tiffany. 
Truman Bell. 
Asa Day. 
O. R. Beardsley. 



T. E. Penny. 
Mrs. O. R. Beardsley 
Mrs. Truman Bell. 
B. VV. Wright. 
Mrs. E. Bell 
Mrs. Myron Titus. 



Hallstead — N. T. Mitchell, Committeeman. 



J. R. Douglas. 

F. D. Lamb. 
C. J. Langley. 
R. C. Du Bo'is. 
John L. Smith. 
John A. Millane. 
E. R. Mason. 

W. M. Snyder. 
\Y. K. Simrell. 
L. H. De Forest. 
J. A. Hollon. 
L. B. Crook. 
E. D. Burton. 
|. T- Stockholm. 
E. E. Tuttle. 
George Lamb. 
John Pike. 
L. G. Simmons. 

G. W. Capwell. 
C. Tierney. 

L. D. Miller. 
fohn Callow. 
Jos. McLeod. 
Michael Carigg. 
Jos. Dennis. 
N. A. Wolcott. 
('. T. McCormack. 
M. B. Moore. 
Addison G. Du Bois. 
Nathan Brown. 
Fred. Terboss. 
fames Green. 
Mr. Allen. 
Miss Ella Du Bois. 

" fennie Barnes. 
Mrs. McLeod. 

" ). R. Douglas. 

" C. E. S warts. 



Mrs. John Pike. 

•• jas. Millard. 
Miss Kittie Pike. 
Mrs. E. Du Bois. 

•• T. Adams. 

•• A. M. Tingley. 

'• Anna Hall. 

" L. B. Crook. 

■• W. S. Barnes. 

'■ M. L. Decker. 

'• T. Canner. 

" A. N. Canyne. 

" S. Tingley. 

" Millard Decker. 

•• Sarah Gillens. 

" Sarah Wolcott. 

" James Kirby. 
Miss Mary Hanna. 
Mrs. James Doyle. 

" H. Millard. 

" R. H. Barnum. 

•• S. D. Ross. 

" Finch. 

" J. B. Brown. 

"■ S. A. Carpenter. 

" Gene Capwell. 

" Fred Dennis. 

" E. Griffin. 

■■ C. Moffat t. 

" S. Swarts. 

" E. Bennett. 

" E. D. Rice. 

•■ L. Wilmot. 

'• M. Summerton. 

" J. Babcock. 

" Resnell. 

•• E. D. Burton. 
Walter Burton. 



I 29 



Mrs. N. I". Mit hell. 

" Sarah ("has-. 

" F. I). B. Chase. 

'• W. K. Hatch. 

" Mary Wesley. 

" C. J. Langlev. 

•• W. E. Barnes. 

" (>. R. Mcintosh. 

" M. N. R, Lamb. 
Fred Lamb. 
Frank Lamb. 
Robert Lamb. 
Mary Lamb. 
Mrs. Carrie Simmons. 
Claude Simmons. 
Milton Simmons. 
Mrs. G. W. Smith. 

" E. E. Turtle. 

" C.N. Van Ness. 

" Anna Murray. 
Miss Maggie Murray. 
Mrs. Lucy Cap well. 
Ray Capwell. 
Ceorgie Capwell. 
Charlie Capwell. 
Bessie Capwell. 
Emogene Capwell. 
Fannie Simrell. 
Mrs. F. E. Van VVormer. 

" James Snover. 
Lena Barnes. 
Minnie Snover. 
Mrs. VVm. Snyder. 
Miss K. B. McCreary. 
Mrs. J. E. Davis. 
Mary McCarty. 
Mrs. Mary McCormack. 
Retta McCormack. 
Genevieve McCormack. 
Elizabeth McCormack. 
Bruce Chase. 
John L. Ross. 
Fred Ross. 
Frank Ross. 
Willie Ross. 
Marv Holister. 



Lucy Baker. 
Mrs ( 'elina Barnes. 
il Alice Gillespie. 
Elone Gillespie. 
Wilford Kellv. 
Anna Maury. 
Mary Maury. 
John Maury. 
George Trowbridge. 
Patrick Maury. 
Edith Trowbridge. 
Edna Trowbridge. 
Cora Trowbridge. 
Nettie Jones. 
Ira Jones. 
M. Walters. 
Susan Packard. 
John Gannon. 
Mrs. Mary Allen. 
Mary Allen. 
VVm. Allen. 
Francis Allen. 
James Allen. 
Peter Allen. 
Mary Brown. 
Lucy Packard. 
Walter Packard. 
Viola Lawrence. 
Bennie Lawrence. 
Almira Lawrence. 
Mary Delanty. 
Maggie Delanty. 
Edward Delanty. 
Mary Carrigg. 
Maggie Carrigg. 
Rachel ' idester. 
Jessie Chidester. 
Freddie Chidester. 
Willis Chidester. 
Holdrich Chidester. 
John Gannon. 
James Gannon. 
Mary Gannon. 
Bridget Gannon. 
Matthew Gannon. 
Julia Gannon. 



Marvin Holister. 
Lucy Holister. 
Mrs. C. Noonan. 

•• John L. Smith. 

•• A. T. Smith. 

" Isaac Bound. 

'•' Jos. Gruslin. 
fames Simrell. 

<< C. R. Elred. 

' • Thomas Coddington. 

" M. Fisher. 

•• A. Hart. 

" A. M. Slacker. 

" J. Gannon. 

•• Wm. Carroll. 

• • Sidney Dennis. 

" C. F Snover. 

•' E. O'Malley. 

" C. Knoller. 

" A. G. Mead. 

•• G. A. Bogart. 
Miss Nettie Millett. 
Mrs. Ira Preston. 

■• ('has. St anion. 

" C. E. Jenks. 

•• J. M. Simpson. 

" L. M. Brown. 
Henry Smith. 
Chas. Smith. 
( Catherine Smith. 
Annie Smith. 
Mary Barber. 
Alice Barber. 
Ella Barber. 
Richard Barber. 
John Barber. 
Margaret Barber. 
Mary Barber. 
James Barber. 
Geo. Barber. 
Ann Barber. 
Ida Fuller. 
( rrace Fuller. 
Susan Fuller. 
Emma Fuller. 
Jennie Bound. 



Katie Gannon. 
Maggie Gannon. 
Ella Gannon. 
Mrs. N. A. Wolcott. 

" J. L. Decker. 

" M. J. McNanara. 

" J. M. Finley. 

<< M. J. Duffy. 
• C. M. Currier. 

" J no. Maynard. 

" J no. Millane. 

" Betsey Loomis. 
Hattie Loomis. 
Harvey Loomis. 
Fred. Loomis 
Lizzie Fields. 
Mary Green. 
Mrs. P. V. Green. 
Libbie Green. 
Arthur Green. 
Jennie C. Brown. 
Walter J. Brown. 
Hazel L. Brown. 
Mrs. Anna Millard. 
Abbie Farrium. 
Bertie Farnum. 
Mrs. Sarah E. Ross. 
Bridget Smith. 
Cornelius Donohue. 
Catharine Donohue. 
James McCarthy. 
Elizabeth Barnes. 
Ellen Shannon. 
Thomas Shannon. 
Martin Shannon. 
Timothy Shannon. 
Catherine Reed. 
Mary B. Reed. 
Kate Reed. 
Julia Reed. 
Hattie Reed. 
Julia McLeod. 
Addie McLeod. 
Hattie McLeod. 
Sarah A. Brown. 
Eva A. Brown. 



Mary Donohue. 
Margaret Donohue. 
Bridget Donohue. 
James Donohue. 
Timothy Donohue. 
Mrs. G. Griffin. 
Miry Griffin. 
Eliza Conley. 
Kate Osterhout. 
Arthur Osterhout. 
Richard Osterhout. 
Jennie Terboss. 
Nina Terboss. 
Emma Howell. 
Effie Fisher. 
Sarah C. Watkins. 
Sarah C. Watkins. 
Jennie Watkins. 
Millisa Watkins. 
Sophia Ross. 
Hazel Ross. 
Cencil Ross. 
Bridget Hays. 
Mary Hays. 
John Hays. 
"Mary Hays. 

Herrick- 
L. ( >. Patterson. 
G. S Tingley. 
A If. Bowell. ' 
E. R. Barnes. 
D. R. Lumly. 
Hiram Decker. 
G. L. McConigle. 

Harmony 
Jackson- 
O. H. Perry. 
Milton Balch. 
J. C. Hill. 
C. W. Hazen. 
Wm. Holmes. 
A. A. Page. 
J. H. Lamb. 
A. M. Pease. 
C A.Delaney. 



Mary Adams. 
Mary M. Adams. 
George A. Adams. 
Corintha Barnes. 
Wellington Barnes. 
Reuben Barnes. 
Letty Arnold. 
Palmira Harris. 
Jessie Harris. 
Addie Maynard. 
Will Merrill. 
Lucy V. Chidester. 
Nettie Chidester. 
Ellen Wyant. 
Amanda Sweet. 
Alice Read. 
Berton Read. 
Gertrude Read. 
Ernest Read . 
Gracie Read. 
Rose McCroy. 
Hattie McCroy. 
Earl Talmage. 
M. Eustace. 
P. Eustace. 
Kate Eustace. 
-Sanford Burns, Committeeman. 
Oscar Fletcher. 
H. H. Wimple. 
R. P. Patterson. 
A. B. Tingley. 
Oscar Hine. 
P. H. Flynn. 

— S. H. Barnes, Committeeman. 
-L. D. Benson, Committeeman. 

E. Dix. 

G. H. Gelatt. 

Nat Benson. 

David Dutcher. 

A. W. Brown. 

H. S. Brown. 

H. Whitmarsh. 

C. O. Tingley. 

P. Steenbeck. 



O. R. Guard. 
L. 1). Hall. 
H. W. Tvler. 
E. O. Perry. 
C. C. Barnes. 
Fred Butterfield. 



|. W. Cargill. 
Will Whitney. 
Wm. Hamilton. 
Chas. Pickering 
Omar Olin. 
Fred Benson. 



Liberty L. E. Stanford, Committeeman. 



J. J. Tingley. 
R. E. Harris. 
]>. 1). Harris. 
W. W. Gunsalus. 
D. S. English. 
J. P. Lindsley. 
Wm. Chalker. 
J. W. Russel. 
Burt Gunsalus. 
A. P. Bailey. 
J. P.. Chalker. 
J. D. Hogan. 
fonathan Ross. 
J. D. Beebe. 



Lenox — 



Edwin R. Grow. 
James Doran. 
( reorge Nichols. 
H. N. Smith. 

Azur Lathrop. 
Win. D. Lusk. 
i >. \V. Searle. 
Abel Turrell. 
[. B. McCollum. 
Geo. A. Post. 
\\ . C. Cruser. 
W. J. Mulford. 
W. H. Jessup. 
:\ M. Post. 
A. H. McCollum. 
C. S. Page. 
1). A. Titsworth. 
F. I. Lott. 

E. IF True. 

F. B. Chandler. 
J. R. Raynsford. 



W. A. Crandall. 

F. A. Marsh. 
Kirby Marsh. 
H. A. Truesdell. 
Herbert Caswell. 
R. A. Fish. 
]ohn Butler. 
('. A. Mitchell. 
Irvin Ireland. 
Leonard Bailey. 
Newell Bailey. 
E. C. Coffin. 
L. W. Howard. 
Tyler Potter. 

Oliver Loomis, Committeeman. 

G. Q. Loomis.* 
G. W. Loomis.* 
C. F. Hoppie. 

Montrose. 



T. J. Davies. 
J. S. Courtright. 
( '. F. Watrous. Jr. 
T. A. Lyon. 
G. A. Lyon. 
W. H. Turrell. 
K. I). Melhuish. 
R. B. Smith. 
A. B. Smith, Jr. 
1). W. Brown. 
M. Kasson. 
1). R. Lathrop. 
W. B. Deans. 
H. P. Read. 
A. B. Burns. 
). ]. Burns. 
R. M. Bostwick. 



*33 



M. S. Dessauer. 

E. P. Pope. 

W. E. Williams. 
C. R. Woodin. 
J. P. Taylor. 
J. W. Burgess. 

F. E. Cramer. 
E. Guy. 

Dr. W. L. Richardson. 
H. L. Beach. 
Rasselas Searle. 
( reo. B. Little. 

New Milford Borough. 

E. A. Pratt. 
Chas. Jay. 
A. I!. Smith. 
L. A. Smith. 
W. B. Gillet. 
\\. ('.. Smith. 
S. Moss. 

C. H. Johnston. 
C. T. Mitchell. 

C. C. Pratt. 

G. G. Shoemaker. 

F. G. Inderlied. 
J )ean Bros. 

New Milford Township. - 

Frank T. Wellman. 
Ira Moss. 
Samuel Sackett. 
Theron Grinnell. 
George Shay. 
Chauncey Shay. 
Clarence Shay. 
Homer Tingley. 
William Alexander. 
Win. M. Van Cott. 
Amos Wilcox. 
Asa Hammond. 
E. W. Watson. 
H. La Bar. 
Mrs. Spencer. 
E. J. Tyler. 

D. D. Plummer. 
L. W. Tennant. 
Mrs. H. H. Van Cott. 



J. Corwin. 
S. J. Sparkes. 
Dr. C. D. Mackey. 
H. C. Jessup. 

A. Nichols. 
('. N. Stoddard. 
H. C. Tyler. 
G. H. Watrous. 
O. A. Gilbert. 

D. B. Brewster. 
W. W. Williams. 

-C. M. Shelp, Committeeman 
F. L). Summers. 
J. C. McConnell. 
F F. Moxle) . 
H. Garrett. 
David Summers. 
W. T. Moxley. 

E. S. Garrett. 
H. H. Van Cott. 

E. A. French. 
<). C. Whitney. 
Chas. Fuchers. 
Geo. Pratt. 

L. J. De Witt, Committeeman. 

A. C. Barrett. 

F. De Witt. 
T. Davis. 
Amos B. Kent. 
C. A. Summers. 
( harles Morse, Jr. 
Mrs. Jane Cole. 
Elmore Tiel. 
Mrs. Elmore Tiel. 
Master Ray Aldrich. 
H. A. Summers. 
William Penny. 
Mrs. M. J. Westfall. 
William Bennett. 
T. E. Cole. 
Culey Bennet. 
Ros;er Cole. 
H. R. Morse. * 
Will Aldrich. 



134 



Oakland Township. — Ekadlev Beebe, Commiteeman. 



Charles Ash. 
Bradley Beebe. 
Charles Beebe. 
F. W. Beebe. 
Calvin Brush. 
A. G. Brush. 
Mrs. E. Brush. 

F. E. Brush. 
William Boyden. 
Emelius Boyden. 
George Boyden. 

* M. W. Chamberlin. 
W. H. Canavan. 
Deforest Carver. 
George Doolittle. 
Miles Doolittle. 
J. K. Grimes. 
E. J. Grimes. 
John Hilborn. 
Washington Hawkins 
Mark Heath. 

G. H. Hurlburt. 
C. W. Lamb. 



W. T. Lamb. 
B. C. Lamb. 
E. C. Leavitt. 
B. F. McKune. 

Patrick Maloney. 
Thomas Maloney. 
Jack Maloney. 
A. G Matthews. 
Morgan Norton. 
H. J. Persons. 
G. E. Pooler. 
I!. H. Prizer. 
Patrick Ryan. 
Lyman Swagart. 
P. H. Smith 
Iddo Skinner. 
Henry Skinner. 
( 'harles Skinner. 
Joseph Stevens. 
Frank Stevens. 
Joseph Towner. 
Royal Tyler. 
John Ward. 



Rush County. — Wm. H. Sherwoop. Committeeman. 



Isaiah Haire. 
J. S. Hillie. 
W. E. Jones. 
James Rooney. 
Oeorge Harvey. 
Andrew I [oag. 
James Hoag. 
W. E. Horoy. 
A. ( 'artcr. 
John W. ( lra\ . 
I. M. Cray. 
Robert Porter. 
M. S. Warner. 
': >aniel Devine. 
John Hurt. 
William Kirkhuff. 
E. F. Kranse. 
J. C. Keeney. 
C. Humerbett. 
Martin Foley. 



Barney Kirkhuff. 
C. H. Warner. 
William Foley. 
James McDonels. 
A. J. Terry. 
N. J. Abbott. 
W.'C. Ball. 
David Godwin. 
J. B. Weston. 
Asa Hikok. 
W. L. Kinney. 
('. . W. Denga. 
J. McCauley. 
C. H. Davis. 
John Lane. 
W. T. Barnes. 
S. A. Edwards. 
T. A. Roberts. 
Miles Shoemaker. 
N. R. Tones. 



T. Haire. 
John Granger. 
W. F. Hillis. 
Frank Foley. 
R. B. Maynard. 
T. H. Bassett. 
J. O. Terry. 
Henry Magee. 
N. H. Rogers. 
Edward Filan. 
R. D. Wilcox. 
George Granger. 
William Millard. 
R. N. Hillis. 
O. P. Chink. 
H. Hillis. 
David Angle. 
Patrick Keenan. 
Charles Bratyman. 
A. VV. Millard. 
Bendy Carter. 
Barney Coil. 
John Quinn. 
George Billings. 
A. D. Lincoln. 
Peter McGowan. 

Springville — J. M. 

Susquehanna — M. J. 

M. B. Wright. 

Col. William H. Telford. 

J H. Cook. 

M. H. Eisman. 

George T. Frazier. 

F. D. Lynn. 

Eugene O'Neill. 

James Bell. 

Gaylord Curtis. 

S. L. French. 

Samuel Birdsall. 

D. J. Peck. 

H. Sperle. 

J. Clark, Jr. 

,H. P. Doran. 

John C. Kane. 

J. T. Boyle. 

W. H. Strachen. 



H. VV. Terry. 
Joseph McCain. 
Ray Baker. 
L. B. McCain. 
G. Green. 
F. F. James. 
B. Shoemaker. 
Nelson Barnes. 
Dr. N. Granger. 
Mrs. L. Shoemaker. 
S. J. Terry. 
H.'C. Bishop. 
H H. Small. 
I. B. Terrv. 

F. H.. Griffin. 
D. H. Snyder. 
J. C. Warner. 
Geo. M. Graham. 
.Michael Zachanus. 
S. Tahles. 

Bela Griffin. 
James My res. 

G. W. Tompkins. 
Joseph Beaumont. 

A. D. Gray. 

J effers, Committeeman. 

Larabee, C 'ommitteeman. 

Charles Boyden. 
Edward Doherty. 
lames McKinney. 
W. W. Fletcher. 

B. C. Stoddard. 
W. Sheff. 

(.). T. Smith. 
M. H. Pope. 
Shaiff Brothers. 
O. H. Simmons. 
Dooley Brothers. 
Henry Helmer, Jr. 
John J. Ahearn. 
Malley. Ash & Lobey. 
Frank Jeller. 
L< S. Page. 

C. W. Morsran. 



Thompson Borough — J. I). Miller, Committeeman. 

E. A. Foster. V. A. Potter. 

G. F. Spencer. R. O. Lewis. 

W. P. Tallman. T. F. Henwood. 

]. L. Witter. E. A. Saxton. 

M. J. Mulvey. F. M. Gelatt. 

S. D. Barnes. E. C. Kellam. 

Rob't Gelatt. A. H. Crosier. 

('. K. Casterline. A. ( >. Stimpson. 
]). A. Chandler. 

LTniondale — H. H. Lewis, Committeeman. 

J. E. Thomas. N. G. Dimnick. 

Edwin Corev. Wm. Anderson. 

J. W. Ryder. F. Westgate. 

P. Burritt. Rom. Westgate. 

O. Darrow. Chas. Tucker. 

E. E. Rounds. A. A. Tingley. 

1). H. Coleman. C. A. Weedeman. 

J. L. Westgate. S. H. Norton. 
( ). T. ( !arpenter. 

I III BAL WCK SHEET. 

The Centennial Finance and Auditing Committee held a meeting 
at justice Simmons's office in Hallstead, on the 4th day of November 
for the purpose of taking preliminary steps to settle up the accounts 
of the celebration. C. M. Shelf and C. M. Simmons, auditors, were 
present H. F. Beardsley, James T. Du Bois, and W. J. Pike, of 
the Executive Committee, were also in attendance. A large number 
of hills were audited and ordered to be paid, and a quantity of lum- 
ber. &c, used for Centennial purposes, were sold. 

The Centennial balance sheet was struck on the 26th day of No- 
vember, at a meeting of the Managing and Finance committees at the 
office of Justice C. \1. Simmons, in Hallstead. M. j. Larabee, C. 
M. Shelf, andC. M. Simmons, of the Finance Committee, were present, 
as were also George A. Post, T. D. Estabrooks, and W. J. Pike, of 
the Managing Committee, and Capt. Beardsley. Every bill was care- 
fully scrutinized and ever) cent paid was represented by a voucher. 
The treasurer. M. B. Wright, and the assistant treasurer, E. R. Mason, 
used practicable business principles in the discharge of their duties, 
and Captain Beardsley systemized his accounts with greal care, thus 
making the work of the Auditing Committee far less difficult than it 
would otherwise have been. 



It was decided at the Montrose Convention, held the 25111 day of 
July, that the Chairman of the Executive Committee and its Secre- 
tary should be properly compensated for their work, and it was a 
pleasant moment for the committee when they found that they would 
be able to compensate these efficient officers in a measure for their 
arduous labors. The amount voted to Captain Beardsley was $186. 23, 
and to Secretary Pike $75, being the balance remaining in the hands 
of the Treasurer after all the bills had been liquidated. 

The thanks of the committee were extended, through the Hon. 
( reorge A. Post, to Governor Beaver and Hon. M. A. Foran for their 
attendance at the Centennial, and cordial thanks were also tendered 
to Treasurer Wright and Assistant Treasurer E. R. Mason. 

All of the flags, bunting, and other decorations used during the 
celebration were placed in thelaands of trustees to be loaned when 
ever any popular festivities may take place in the county. 



MS 



The following financial exhibit 
satisfactorily to all interested : 

Receipts. 
Auburn, check of D. C. Titnian 

Bridgewater 

Brooklyn 

Clifford 

Choconut, Mrs. J. E. Carmalt 

I >imock 

Friendsville 

Franklin 

Great Bend Borough. . . . 
Great Bend Township . . . 

Gibson 

Hallstead 

Harford ......... 

Hopbottom 

Herrick 

Harmony, S. H. Barnes . . 

Jackson 

Liberty 

Lenox 

Montrose 

New Milford Borough . . . 
New Milford Township . . . 
< >akland Township .... 

Bush 

Susquehanna 108 oo 

Springville, j. M. Jefifers . . ^ oo 

Thomson Borough . . . . 15 00 

I'niondale 10 00 

W. F. Hallstead, D. L. & W. 

K. R. . . . ;ooo 



$10 00 
20 25 
40 00 

52 00 

5 °° 
(>S 00 
10 75 

9 00 
65 00 

5° 2 5 
36 25 

36 2 55 
70 00 
16 10 
14 50 
10 00 
16 85 
10 00 

3 75 

2 c; 1 00 

32 00 

16 00 

34 75 
32 75 



Total 

Log Cabin Register .... 
Relic Hall admissions . . . 

Privileges 

Merchandise sold, lumber. &C 



,422 25 
27 00 

504 80 
40 00 
87 55 



of the auditors will explain itself 



Expenditures. 

Old Settlers' Banquet— To F. 
M. Kent, caterer, and other 
expenses 

Decorations — flags, bunting, 
Chinese lanterns, rink deco- 
rations, labor, &c 

Relic Hall — fitting up rink, la- 
bor, material, expenses trans- 
portation of relics, special 
police, &c 

Log Cabin and police . . . 

Livery bills 

Teaming and work on grounds 

Rent of tents, labor, expenses, 
police, &c 

Grand stand, reviewing stand, 
labor, lumber, &c . . . . 

Incidental expenses .... 

Entertainment of bands . . . 

Centennial chorus 

Entertainment of guests and 
carriage hire 

Fireworks and illuminations, 
powder, &c 

Freight and cartage .... 

Printing, including engraved 
cut of Log Cabin .... 

Postage, postal cards, and tel- 
ephone 

Salary and expenses of secre- 
tary 

Salary and expenses of chair- 
man 



£228 


21 


130 


7 6 


296 


6z 


^4 


00 


53 

2 5 


SO 

4" 


144 


20 


187 
66 

57 

"7 


53 
58 
50 

12 


43 


49 


^47 
21 


*3 
10 


87 


95 


27 


37 


119 


66 


222 


69 



Total 2,081 60 Total 2,081 60 

The order drawn to liquidate the last bill bore the Centennial num- 
ber '•' 100." 

The kindly hand of Providence seems to have rested up the helm 
of our Centennial ship from thegoing out until the coming in of the 
same. It was the greatest celebration that ever took place in the 
i ounty, one of the finest that ever occurred in the State, and it was 
more novel and interesting than any that may follow it in many 
decades to come. 



TABLE OF CONTENTS. 



Frontispiece — Governor Beaver. 

Introductory remarks - - 3 

Preface - ~ 7 

1787 — Susquehanna — 1887 ----- - - - 9 

The Centennial Germ ------ - - - 14 

Development of the Centennial Germ - - - - - 1 7 

Invitation Committee's work ----- - - 28 

Chairman Beardsley's Headquarters -32 

Portrait of Captain Beardsley. 

Around the county --------- - - - - 34 

Hallstead prepares - - - - - - - 35 

Picture of Log Cabin ---------- 36 

Cabin Moving Bee 37 
The Programme --------------- 43 

Centennial Monday ------ -------- 44 

Formal opening of the Relic Hall - - -45 

Complete List of Relics - - - 49 
Fragments of the First Day ----------- 65 

Centennial Tuesday - - - {) ^ 

Address of Hon. George A. Post - 7° 

Historical address by Judge McCollum ------ 72 

Portrait of Judge McCollum. 

Centennial Poem ------------ < s - 

Address of Hon. Martin A. Foran > s 3 
Portrait of Hon. Martin A. Foran. 

Segments of the Second Day 8 9 

Centennial Wednesday - - 9° 

The Great Para tie - - . - 9 1 

Old Settlers' Reception - '95 

At the Banquet Tent - 9 6 

List of Old Settlers - "7 

At the Grand Stand - io 4 
Portrait of Hon. Galusha A. Grow --------- no 

Planting of the Centennial Tree ---------- 116 

Closing scenes of the Great Day - ,- ' iS 

Tallies of the Third Day '-° 

Contributors to the Centennial Fund - - - - T -3 

The Balance Sheet " l 3 6 



